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 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.
Unlike traditional flight operations, Demonstration Team AVOs are expected to independently execute missions with limited support while simultaneously serving as operators, instructors, maintainers, mission planners, technical advisors, and customer liaisons. Success in this role requires the ability to rapidly solve complex technical and operational problems while maintaining a relentless commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys frequent travel, embraces uncertainty, and is motivated by building customer confidence through exceptional operational execution.
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.
- 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.
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Minimum 1 ,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
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Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
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Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance
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Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings, and customer medical/dental requirements
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Willingness and ability to travel 60–75% , including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments
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Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo, and austere environments
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Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management, and safety mindset
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Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills
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FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
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FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate
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Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation
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Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
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Experience supporting DoD, allied, or international military operations
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Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
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Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, or flight operations
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Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink, or ground control systems
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Familiarity with ISR payloads, SATCOM, BVLOS operations, and tactical communications
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Experience coordinating international deployments, logistics, or expeditionary operations
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Shield AI
Defense Tech · Private · San Diego, USA