Senior UAS Field Ops Engineer – Demos & Test Support

Speedrun Talent Network; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in San Diego seeks a skilled HMS Demo & Test Operations Support to coordinate flight-test campaigns, demonstrations, and customer events, ensuring platforms, payloads, and ground-control systems are ready. You'll collaborate with test, software, and flight-test teams to align operational needs with autonomy capabilities.

The role emphasizes live operation, safety, SOP development, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms and working with military units.
• Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration.
• Ability to engage customer UAS and ground operators on mission requirements.
• Clear understanding of customer mission-essential tasks and CONOPS.
• Experience developing SOPs, checklists, and operational processes.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, NAS operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements.
• Experience conducting flight operations in dynamic test environments.
• Strong understanding of mission planning, operational employment, logistics, and field coordination.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to brief large groups.
• Ability to translate qualitative user feedback into structured requirements or recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate with software, safety, and flight operations personnel.
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the test team and BD on product capabilities and customer requirements.
• Bridge autonomy-system development, test, and field employment by bringing operational realism and logistics expertise.
• Develop mission scenarios and assess operational effectiveness, translating mission needs into test objectives and evaluation criteria.
• Operate flight test platforms during daily verification activities.
• Serve as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS during testing and demonstrations.
• Capture field observations and customer feedback, turning them into actionable recommendations for engineering and programs.
• Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilots, and ground control stations.
• Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launches, recoveries, and post-flight maintenance.
• Execute tests and mission plans while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Support SOPs, checklists, and best practices for demos and testing.
• Ensure FAA regulations, NAS requirements, and flight procedures are followed.
• Assist in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and risk assessments.

Skills

UAS operations

Group 1/2 UAS

Autopilot systems

FAA regulations

Mission planning

Operational coordination

SOPs & checklists

Customer engagement

Briefing large groups

Security clearance eligibility

COTS hardware

Communication

Tools

QGC

Mission Planner

ArduPilot

PX4

Job description

Shield AI in San Diego seeks a skilled HMS Demo & Test Operations Support to coordinate flight-test campaigns, demonstrations, and customer events, ensuring platforms, payloads, and ground-control systems are ready. You'll collaborate with test, software, and flight-test teams to align operational needs with autonomy capabilities.

The role emphasizes live operation, safety, SOP development, and regulatory compliance.