Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Production Flight Test (R4844)

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.

Job Description:

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 personnel, engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and program teams to verify that each aircraft meets established performance, configuration, and airworthiness requirements.

The ideal candidate is a disciplined and technically capable operator who can perform effectively in a fast-paced flight-test environment. This individual must be comfortable working through changing priorities, identifying and documenting aircraft discrepancies, and making sound operational decisions while maintaining safety and procedural compliance.

What you'll do:

• Serve as the 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 flight. 

• Coordinate with flight test engineers, maintainers, production personnel, and other members of the flight crew. 

• 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. 

• Work flexible schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended shifts, based on weather and production requirements. 

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2000 documented unmanned flight hours or 1000 manned flight hours 

• Experience conducting production acceptance flights, developmental testing, operational testing, or customer acceptance testing. 

• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance documentation, quality systems, and nonconformance-reporting processes. 

• Experience operating in controlled, restricted, or special-use airspace. 

• 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 up to 25% in support of CONUS and OCONUS test events and/or deployments  

• Proven ability to lead and operate independently in small teams, including in austere or high-tempo environments  

• Strong aviation judgment, decision-making, and risk management skills 

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)  

• 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. 

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.   ###   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.