UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician (R5438)

Shield AI is seeking a UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician to support autonomous aircraft testing, demonstrations, and flight operations in Ukraine. This is a highly hands-on, field-focused role supporting fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in simulation, ground testing, and live flight environments.

Responsibilities:

• Operate fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in test and operational environments
• Serve as a safety pilot for experimental and autonomous aircraft systems, including manual recovery of aircraft when required
• Support execution of simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities
• Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) and associated mission systems
• Support pre-flight setup, aircraft inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight activities
• Configure, setup, transport, and maintain aircraft, support equipment, batteries, radios, networking equipment, and operational infrastructure
• Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems and field support equipment
• Transport equipment and personnel to test and demonstration sites
• Create and maintain operational checklists, packing lists, maintenance logs, and flight documentation
• Support demonstration events and customer flight operations
• Work closely with engineering and flight test teams to support safe and effective field operations
• Ensure operations comply with local airspace requirements, operational procedures, and applicable Ukrainian UAS regulations

Required qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience operating unmanned aircraft systems in field, test, or operational environments
• Experience operating both fixed-wing and multirotor UAS platforms
• Experience supporting Group 1 and Group 2 UAS operations, approximately up to 55 lbs / 25 kg
• Strong understanding of flight safety procedures and emergency recovery operations
• Experience supporting flight tests, demonstrations, or operational field exercises
• Familiarity with Ground Control Stations, telemetry systems, radios, and mission support equipment
• Experience supporting SIL, HIL, VIL, or related test environments
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair aircraft and support equipment in the field
• Strong organizational skills and attention to operational detail
• Familiarity with Ukrainian airspace requirements and operational procedures for UAS operations
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport equipment and personnel to operational sites
• Ability to travel within Ukraine as required
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required Ukrainian remote pilot or UAS operational certifications

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or experimental flight testing
• Background in military, defense, robotics, or aerospace operations
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems
• Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems
• Mechanical or electrical maintenance experience on unmanned aircraft systems
• Experience operating in austere or rapidly changing field environments
• Familiarity with BVLOS operations and operational risk management
• Ukrainian and English language proficiency
• Prior experience supporting defense or tactical UAS operations