SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft (V-BAT and X-BAT), and simulation technologies for military and defense operations worldwide.
This Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator role focuses on field integration, testing, and operational leadership for Shield AI's autonomous aircraft systems. The position combines hands-on aircraft operations with mentorship, cross-functional coordination, and technical troubleshooting in deployed and customer environments.
Key Responsibilities:
• Field Integration Support: Lead site surveys, installations, calibrations, aircraft operational checks, and customer handoff activities while maintaining safe and effective V-BAT operations.
• Operational Leadership: Lead flight operations and field events with autonomy, sound judgment, and disciplined risk management. Serve as the primary operational authority during field deployments and customer engagements.
• Systems Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex issues across aircraft systems, payloads, ground control systems, datalinks, LAN-based networks, MANET networks, RF communications, SATCOM, and support equipment in field conditions.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work directly with Field Integration Teams, Deployment Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Training, Customer Operations, and end customers to close technical issues and drive operational readiness.
• Instructor and Mentorship: Train, evaluate, and develop operators while reinforcing standards, tactics/techniques/procedures (TTPs), checklist discipline, and safe operating practices. Provide technical guidance to junior operators and field teams.
Required Qualifications:
• Demonstrated instructor experience in manned or unmanned aviation
• FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance
• Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and customer-required medical/dental screenings
• Willingness to travel 50–75% on short notice for CONUS and OCONUS site surveys, installations, calibrations, flight operations, customer events, and deployment support
Preferred Qualifications:
• Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
• Previous experience as a Site Lead, Crew Lead, Instructor Operator, or aviation operations lead
• Experience supporting system installation, calibration, test events, or field acceptance activities
• Experience troubleshooting RF, C2, SATCOM, MANET, Starlink, Starshield, ISR payload, or ground control system issues
