Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Demonstration (R5505)

The role

This role runs V-BAT unmanned aircraft demonstrations, evaluations, training events and business development activities for military, government and commercial customers. The operator plans and leads flight operations, troubleshoots aircraft and systems, and trains customers and teammates.

What you will do

• Safely execute complex customer demonstrations of the V-BAT system.
• Plan and lead flight operations, including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning and crew coordination.
• Diagnose and resolve aircraft, payload, datalink and ground system issues.
• Provide classroom, simulator and live-flight instruction, mentorship and standardization.
• Make independent decisions and solve problems in dynamic, austere environments.
• Serve as a customer-facing representative of the company.

Required qualifications

• Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance.
• Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings and customer medical/dental requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments.
• Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo and austere environments.
• Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management and safety mindset.
• Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills.

Nice to have

• FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation.
• Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience.
• Experience supporting DoD, allied or international military operations.
• Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience.
• Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations or flight operations.
• Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink or ground control systems.
• Familiarity with ISR payloads, SATCOM, BVLOS operations and tactical communications.
• Experience coordinating international deployments, logistics or expeditionary operations.

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits for full-time regular employees.
• Equity for full-time regular employees.
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance.
• Must pass required background investigations, drug screenings and customer medical/dental requirements.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems, including Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies. It has offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.