Test Director, XBAT (R4406)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  Job Description: Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. We are building X-BAT, a next-generation autonomous VTOL jet aircraft, and we are seeking an experienced Test Director to lead all flight test execution and personnel at the test site.  As Test Director, you are the senior authority for on-site flight test operations, combining deep technical flight test expertise with direct people leadership and operational accountability. You will serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for unmanned operations while also acting as the test-site leader for all flight test personnel, ensuring safe, disciplined, and efficient execution of complex developmental test campaigns.  This role operates at the intersection of engineering, flight operations, and leadership. You will own test conduct, crew coordination, control-room operations, and real-time decision-making while building and sustaining a high-performing test team in a fast-paced experimental environment.