UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician (R5438)

The role

Operate fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft in test and operational settings, serving as safety pilot and supporting simulation, ground and live flight tests. Set up, maintain and troubleshoot aircraft, ground control stations and field equipment, and support demonstrations for customers.

What you will do

• Operate fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in test and operational environments
• Serve as safety pilot for experimental and autonomous aircraft, including manual recovery when required
• Support simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing and live flight test activities
• Operate Ground Control Stations and mission systems
• Support pre-flight setup, inspections, launch, recovery and post-flight activities
• Configure, transport and maintain aircraft, support equipment, batteries, radios and networking equipment
• Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems and field support equipment
• Transport equipment and personnel to test and demonstration sites
• Create and maintain checklists, packing lists, maintenance logs and flight documentation
• Ensure operations comply with local airspace requirements and Ukrainian UAS regulations

Required qualifications

• 3+ years 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, up to about 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 UAS operational procedures
• Valid driver's license and ability to transport equipment and personnel
• Ability to travel within Ukraine as required

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to country office location; full details available from talent acquisition partner

Before you apply

• Must be able to obtain and maintain any required Ukrainian remote pilot or UAS operational certifications
• Must be able to travel within Ukraine as required

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company whose mission is protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.