Description
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Demonstration Team - Senior Associate Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) is responsible for planning, executing, and leading domestic and international unmanned aircraft operations in support of customer demonstrations, evaluations, training events, operational exercises, and business development activities.
This position serves as one of the primary customer-facing representatives of the company and plays a critical role in showcasing the capabilities of the V-BAT system to military, government, and commercial customers worldwide.
The successful candidate must consistently demonstrate exceptional aviation judgment, professionalism, technical expertise, and adaptability while operating in dynamic and often austere environments.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Rapidly identifies, diagnoses, and resolves aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
- Develops customers and teammates through classroom instruction, simulator training, live-flight instruction, mentorship, and standardization.
- Thrives in rapidly changing domestic and international environments by exercising sound judgment, solving problems independently, and maintaining operational effectiveness under pressure.
Requirements:
- 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
Benefits:
- Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity