Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Demonstration (R5505)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

On-site

Who this role is best for

Experienced aviation professionals with flight operation expertise and a strong safety mindset will find this mission-focused role in defense technology.

Best fit for

Candidates with extensive flight experience and a background in military or UAS operations
— “Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience”
Individuals capable of leading complex operations and training others in high-pressure environments
— “Develops customers and teammates through classroom instruction, simulator training, live-flight instruction, mentorship, and standardization”

Things to consider

This role requires a high level of travel, including frequent domestic and international deployments
— “Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments”
A Secret DoD Security Clearance is a mandatory requirement for this position
— “Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance”

How to stand out

Highlight your experience with mission planning and risk management in dynamic environments
— “Plans and leads all aspects of flight operations including risk management”
Showcase your technical troubleshooting skills with specific examples from aircraft or UAS systems
— “Rapidly identifies, diagnoses, and resolves aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Safely executes complex demonstrations while building customer confidence through professional, disciplined, and mission-focused flight operations
Plans and leads all aspects of flight operations including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, crew coordination, and mission execution

Typical background

Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hoursAbility to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical CertificateAbility to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance

Skills & requirements

Required

Flight OperationsMission PlanningTechnical TroubleshootingInstructor QualificationIndependent Decision-makingCustomer Engagement

Preferred

FAA Private Pilot CertificateFAA Instrument RatingCommercial Pilot CertificateInstructor Qualification In Manned Or Unmanned AviationMilitary Aviation Or UAS Operational ExperienceSupporting Dod, Allied, Or International Military OperationsMaritime Or Shipboard UAS Operational ExperienceLeading Customer DemonstrationsTroubleshooting Aircraft, Payload, Datalink, Or Ground Control SystemsFamiliarity With ISR Payloads, Satcom, Bvlos Operations, And Tactical CommunicationsCoordinating International Deployments, Logistics, Or Expeditionary Operations

Stack & domain

Unmanned Flight OperationsMission PlanningOperational LeadershipTechnical TroubleshootingSystems KnowledgeInstructionMentorshipTeam DevelopmentAdaptabilityIndependent Decision-makingFAA Class II Medical CertificateSecret Dod Security ClearanceFAA Private Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Instrument RatingCommercial Pilot CertificateInstructor QualificationManned AviationUAS Operational ExperienceDod OperationsAllied OperationsInternational Military OperationsMaritime UAS OperationsShipboard UAS OperationsCustomer DemonstrationsOperational EvaluationsFlight OperationsTroubleshooting AircraftPayloadDatalinkGround Control SystemsISR PayloadsSatcomBvlos OperationsTactical CommunicationsInternational DeploymentsLogisticsExpeditionary OperationsLeadershipCommunicationTeamworkProblem-solvingDecision-makingRisk ManagementCustomer EngagementFinanceHealthcareTechnology

About the role

Original posting from Shield AI via Lever

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
What you'll do::
Customer-Focused Flight Operations- Safely executes complex demonstrations while building customer confidence through professional, disciplined, and mission-focused flight operations.
Mission Planning & Operational Leadership- Plans and leads all aspects of flight operations including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, crew coordination, and mission execution.
Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Knowledge- Rapidly identifies, diagnoses, and resolves aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
Instruction, Mentorship & Team Development- Develops customers and teammates through classroom instruction, simulator training, live-flight instruction, mentorship, and standardization.
Adaptability & Independent Decision-Making- Thrives in rapidly changing domestic and international environments by exercising sound judgment, solving problems independently, and maintaining operational effectiveness under pressure.
Required Qualifications::
Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance
Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings, and customer medical/dental requirements
Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments
Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo, and austere environments
Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management, and safety mindset
Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications::
FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate
Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation
Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
Experience supporting DoD, allied, or international military operations
Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, or flight operations
Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink, or ground control systems
Familiarity with ISR payloads, SATCOM, BVLOS operations, and tactical communications
Experience coordinating international deployments, logistics, or expeditionary operations
Compensation:
#LI-JM1
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)