Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Field Integration and Test (R5130)
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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.
What you'll do: Field integration support: Supports site surveys, installations, calibrations, aircraft operational checks, and customer handoff activities while maintaining safe and effective V-BAT operations
Operational leadership: Leads flight operations and field events with autonomy, sound judgment, and disciplined risk management
Systems troubleshooting: Diagnoses and resolves issues across aircraft , payloads, ground systems, datalinks, LAN-based networks, MANET networks, RF communications, SATCOM, and support equipment in field conditions
Cross-functional coordination: Works directly with FIT, Deployment Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Training, Customer Operations, and customers to close issues and drive operational readiness
Instructor and mentorship capability: Trains, evaluates, and develops operators while reinforcing standards, TTPs, checklist discipline, and safe operating practices
Required Qualifications: Demonstrated instructor experience (manned or unmanned aviation)
FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance
Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and customer-required medical/dental screenings
Willingness to travel on short notice 50 to 75 percent in support of CONUS and OCONUS site surveys, installs, calibrations, flight operations, customer events, and deployment support
Ability to climb ship masts, vertical ladders, and rooftop access points; work in confined or tight areas; and lift and carry 50 pounds or more in land-based and maritime environments
Proven ability to lead and operate independently in small teams, including austere, shipboard, expeditionary, and high-tempo environments
Strong aviation judgment, decision-making, crew coordination, and risk management skills
Ability to troubleshoot aircraft , payload, ground control, communications, network, and support equipment issues at the field level
Preferred Qualifications: FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot License
Experience operating as aircrew on manned aircraft
Experience with MANET, MPU5, RF communications, Starlink, Starshield, and SATCOM integration or setup
Prior military service, especially with overseas, maritime, or deployed operations
Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
Previous experience as a Site Lead, Crew Lead, Instructor Operator, or aviation operations lead
Experience supporting system installation, calibration, test events, or field acceptance activities
Experience troubleshooting RF, C2, SATCOM, MANET, Starlink, Starshield , ISR payload, or ground control system issues
Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.