UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician (R5438)
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.
Job Description: Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are seeking a UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician to support autonomous aircraft testing, demonstrations, and flight operations in Ukraine. This is a highly hands-on, field-focused role supporting fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in simulation, ground testing, and live flight environments. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in dynamic field conditions, troubleshooting hardware and operational issues, and supporting autonomous flight testing activities with a strong safety mindset. This role will primarily support operations in the Lviv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine for demonstrations, testing, and operational support activities.
What you'll do: Operate fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in test and operational environments
Serve as a safety pilot for experimental and autonomous aircraft systems, including manual recovery of aircraft when required
Support execution of simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities
Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) and associated mission systems
Support pre-flight setup, aircraft inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight activities
Configure, setup, transport, and maintain aircraft, support equipment, batteries, radios, networking equipment, and operational infrastructure
Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems and field support equipment
Transport equipment and personnel to test and demonstration sites
Create and maintain operational checklists, packing lists, maintenance logs, and flight documentation
Support demonstration events and customer flight operations
Work closely with engineering and flight test teams to support safe and effective field operations
Ensure operations comply with local airspace requirements, operational procedures, and applicable Ukrainian UAS regulations
Required qualifications: 3+ years of experience operating unmanned aircraft systems in field, test, or operational environments
Experience operating both fixed-wing and multirotor UAS platforms
Experience supporting Group 1 and Group 2 UAS operations, approximately up to 55 lbs / 25 kg
Strong understanding of flight safety procedures and emergency recovery operations
Experience supporting flight tests, demonstrations, or operational field exercises
Familiarity with Ground Control Stations, telemetry systems, radios, and mission support equipment
Experience supporting SIL, HIL, VIL, or related test environments
Ability to troubleshoot and repair aircraft and support equipment in the field
Strong organizational skills and attention to operational detail
Familiarity with Ukrainian airspace requirements and operational procedures for UAS operations
Valid driver’s license and ability to transport equipment and personnel to operational sites
Ability to travel within Ukraine as required
Ability to obtain and maintain any required Ukrainian remote pilot or UAS operational certifications
Preferred qualifications: Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or experimental flight testing
Background in military, defense, robotics, or aerospace operations
Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems
Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems
Mechanical or electrical maintenance experience on unmanned aircraft systems
Experience operating in austere or rapidly changing field environments
Familiarity with BVLOS operations and operational risk management
Ukrainian and English language proficiency
Prior experience supporting defense or tactical UAS operations
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