SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is seeking a Senior Director of Flight Operations to lead the global execution and employment of V-BAT autonomous aircraft systems. This is a strategic leadership role overseeing Flight Test, Deployed Operations, Mission Control, and Training functions across distributed international teams.
In this position, you will own the planning, execution, and governance of all flight activities supporting product testing, customer operations, training, demonstrations, and operational growth. You will balance competing priorities across developmental testing, deployed operations, customer commitments, and strategic initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of safety, readiness, and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include establishing operational strategy, standardizing execution across globally distributed teams, and developing scalable operational capabilities that support Shield AI's continued growth. You will partner closely with Engineering, Aviation Sustainment, Program Management, Business Development, and executive leadership to ensure operational execution aligns with technology development, customer success, and enterprise objectives.
This role requires deep expertise in flight operations, autonomous systems employment, and leading high-performing teams in complex, mission-critical environments. You will drive operational excellence, safety culture, and innovation in how autonomous aircraft are deployed and sustained globally.
