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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft, and simulation technologies for military and civilian operations globally.
The Production Flight Test V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator is responsible for safely operating unmanned aircraft systems during production acceptance testing, system validation, troubleshooting, and delivery activities. This role works closely with flight test engineers, production personnel, quality assurance, maintenance teams, and program managers to verify that each aircraft meets established performance, configuration, and airworthiness requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary Air Vehicle Operator during production, acceptance, regression, and troubleshooting flights
- Safely operate the aircraft throughout all phases of flight in accordance with approved procedures, limitations, and test cards
- Conduct mission planning, preflight preparation, system configuration, and post-flight activities
- Review aircraft records, configurations, maintenance status, weather, airspace, and operational risk before each flight
- Coordinate with flight test engineers, maintainers, production personnel, and other flight crew members
- Identify abnormal system behavior and support real-time troubleshooting during ground and flight operations
- Accurately document flight results, aircraft discrepancies, test-card completion, and operational observations
- Support the creation and disposition of nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and retest requirements
- Participate in flight briefs, debriefs, safety reviews, and operational risk assessments
- Provide clear feedback to engineering and production teams regarding aircraft performance, system functionality, and recurring issues
- Maintain proficiency and qualification on assigned aircraft, ground-control systems, and operating procedures
- Support aircraft delivery, customer acceptance activities, demonstrations, and field operations as required
- Assist with the development and improvement of checklists, test procedures, training materials, and flight-test processes
- Maintain a professional, safety-focused work environment and exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist
The ideal candidate is a disciplined and technically capable operator who can perform effectively in a fast-paced flight-test environment, work through changing priorities, identify and document aircraft discrepancies, and make sound operational decisions while maintaining safety and procedural compliance.
Requirements:
- Minimum 2,000 hours of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operational experience
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent
- Demonstrated proficiency in aircraft systems, flight control, navigation, and datalink operations
- Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Ability to work in a team environment and coordinate across multiple departments
- Willingness to travel and support field operations and customer demonstrations
Preferred Qualifications:
- FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot License
- Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
- Demonstrated instructor experience (manned or unmanned aviation)
- Experience troubleshooting aircraft hardware, software, navigation, propulsion, datalink, or flight-control issues
