Description
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator to join their Integration & Test team. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing surrogate flight test operations supporting the Hivemind portfolio.
The HMS UAS Operations Technician serves as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, ensuring aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and supporting equipment are mission-ready and operated in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Operating flight test platforms in support of daily fly-fix-fly verification activities
- Serving as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS platforms during developmental and operational testing
- Configuring, inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations
- Coordinating aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight maintenance activities
- Executing operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with established safety and operational requirements
- Supporting development, refinement, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational best practices
- Ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, airspace requirements, range procedures, and company flight operations standards
- Assisting in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and operational risk assessments
The role requires:
- 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments
- Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration
- Experience developing, implementing, and executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational processes
- Working knowledge of FAA regulations, National Airspace System (NAS) operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements
- Experience conducting flight operations in dynamic and complex test environments
- Strong organizational, communication, and mission planning skills
- Ability to coordinate effectively with software, systems, safety, and flight operations personnel
- FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience supporting autonomy, AI-enabled systems, or developmental flight test programs, particularly with multi-aircraft or distributed UAS operations
- Fabrication experience with design, build of mechanical and electrical systems
- Familiarity with standard control and autopilot elements such as QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, Px4
- Military UAS operations or test experience