The Production Test Technician 4 performs advanced production acceptance testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, modification, and repair of aircraft systems during the aircraft manufacturing process. This position supports aircraft build, system integration, and verification activities to ensure aircraft are fully functional, compliant with engineering and quality requirements, and ready for ground operations, customer acceptance, and flight. The technician serves as a technical resource within the production test organization, working closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to resolve complex aircraft system discrepancies while supporting production schedules, safety, and quality objectives.
What you'll do:
- Perform testing, troubleshooting, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems including, but not limited to:
- Fuel systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
- Flight controls
- Propulsion systems
- Landing gear
- Communications, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) systems
- Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Operate ground support equipment and perform vehicle systems checkouts.
- Perform pre- and post-use inspections and service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other required fluids.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, technical manuals, and written or verbal work instructions.
- Fabricate and assemble fixtures and components as required.
- Execute testing in accordance with engineering procedures and provide technical support during test activities.
- Conduct testing using prescribed methods, sequences, setups, and procedures while accurately documenting and reporting test results.
- Adhere to all safety requirements, PPE standards, and company policies.
- Work effectively in production, maintenance, repair, and flight test environments while supporting schedule and quality objectives.
- Perform work in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and physically demanding positions including bending, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders, twisting, and overhead work.
- Communicate effectively in high-noise environments.
- Work a flexible schedule that may include extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel (up to 25%).
Required qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum 10 years of aerospace, aircraft maintenance, flight test, or other industry-related experience.
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- Aircraft electrical systems
- Aircraft systems
- Aircraft structures
- Flight line operations
- Experience with avionics or electronic systems.
- Experience building and repairing wire harnesses.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance and any associated program access.
Preferred qualifications:
- Active Secret Security Clearance.
- Associate degree, technical certification, or advanced education in avionics, electronics, or a related technical field.
- Developmental or operational flight test experience.
- Experience performing system testing and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance processes.
- Experience with Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Foreign Object Damage (FOD) control practices.
- Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Communications Security (COMSEC) materials.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum 10 years of aerospace, aircraft maintenance, flight test, or related industry experience
- Experience in one or more: aircraft electrical systems, aircraft systems, aircraft structures, or flight line operations
- Experience with avionics or electronic systems
- Experience building and repairing wire harnesses
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Strong attention to detail with commitment to quality and safety
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaborate in a team
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance and any associated program access
- Active Secret Security Clearance
- Associate degree, technical certification, or advanced education in avionics, electronics, or related technical field
- Developmental or operational flight test experience
- Experience performing system testing and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance processes
- Experience with Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Foreign Object Damage (FOD) control practices
- Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Communications Security (COMSEC) materials
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-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.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.