Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224)

The role

The Technician IV will perform advanced maintenance, inspections, repairs and ground-test support on the X-BAT autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. The role also includes troubleshooting, documentation, and mentoring less-experienced mechanics.

What you will do

• Perform advanced maintenance, inspections, servicing, repairs and component replacement on X-BAT propulsion, flight control, mechanical, electrical and avionics systems.
• Support aircraft assembly, integration, modification and instrumentation installation.
• Execute pre-test and post-test inspections, identify discrepancies and document aircraft condition.
• Support engine start, ground runs, hover preparation, shutdown and other ground-test activities.
• Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical and avionics discrepancies using drawings, wiring diagrams and diagnostic equipment.
• Coordinate with engineering to resolve discrepancies and implement approved corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, component traceability and configuration status.
• Follow test cards, safety plans, hazard controls and PPE requirements; report unsafe conditions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced mechanics and technicians.
• Support aircraft recovery, field-site setup and teardown, and maintenance during extended test deployments.

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of aviation maintenance experience with military or commercial aircraft.
• Hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting turbine propulsion, flight controls, mechanical systems, electrical systems or avionics.
• Ability to complete complex maintenance tasks independently within approved procedures.
• Proficiency interpreting technical manuals, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and configuration documentation.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve aircraft discrepancies under time and operational pressure.
• Experience maintaining aircraft maintenance records, tool accountability and configuration control.
• Strong understanding of aviation maintenance safety, ground-test hazards and risk management.
• Experience providing technical guidance or mentorship to other mechanics and technicians.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel frequently and support extended field-test deployments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain relevant clearances or certifications if needed.

Nice to have

• Prior experience as a senior aircraft mechanic, lead maintainer or military aircraft maintenance craftsman.
• Experience supporting developmental aircraft, prototype assembly, flight-test programs or unmanned aircraft systems.
• Experience with VTOL aircraft, tail-sitter platforms, turbine propulsion or autonomous systems.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or military equivalent.
• Experience with aircraft modification, system integration, rigging and functional checks.
• Familiarity with flight-test operations, test readiness reviews and data collection.
• Experience with Operational Risk Management (ORM), Task Hazard Analysis (THA) or Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Experience supporting aircraft recovery and operating ground support equipment.

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check.
• Ability to obtain and maintain relevant clearances or certifications if needed.
• 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 to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.