Senior V-BAT Field Operations Lead

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Senior Associate V-BAT Operator to join Field Integration and Test, supporting field surveys, installations, calibration events, and flight operations in CONUS and OCONUS environments.

The role involves coordinating with Engineering and Customer Operations, leading flight operations, mentoring junior operators, and ensuring safety and mission readiness in austere, high-tempo settings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated instructor experience in manned or unmanned aviation.
• FAA Private Pilot License (PPL).
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Ability to obtain Secret DoD security clearance.
• Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and customer-required medical/dental screenings.
• Willingness to travel 50–75% on short notice.
• Ability to climb ship masts, vertical ladders, and rooftop access points; lift 50 pounds or more.
• Proven ability to lead and operate independently in small teams in austere environments.
• Strong aviation judgment, decision-making, crew coordination, and risk management.
• Experience troubleshooting RF, C2, SATCOM, MANET, Starlink, Starshield, ISR payload, or ground control system issues.
• Experience operating as aircrew on unmanned aircraft.
• Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience.

Responsibilities

• Field integration support: Supports site surveys, installations, calibrations, aircraft operational checks, and customer handoff activities while maintaining safe and effective V-BAT operations
• Operational leadership: Leads flight operations and field events with autonomy, sound judgment, and disciplined risk management
• Systems troubleshooting: Diagnoses and resolves issues across aircraft, payload, ground control, communications, network, and support equipment in field conditions
• Cross-functional coordination: Works directly with FIT, Deployment Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Training, Customer Operations, and customers to close issues and drive operational readiness
• Instructor and mentorship capability: Trains, evaluates, and develops operators while reinforcing standards, TTPs, checklist discipline, and safe operating practices

Skills

Instructor experience

Aviation judgment

Risk management

Leadership

Crew coordination

Field operations

Troubleshooting

Education

FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Secret DoD security clearance

Tools

MANET

MPU5

RF communications

Starlink

Starshield

SATCOM

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Senior Associate V-BAT Operator to join Field Integration and Test, supporting field surveys, installations, calibration events, and flight operations in CONUS and OCONUS environments.

The role involves coordinating with Engineering and Customer Operations, leading flight operations, mentoring junior operators, and ensuring safety and mission readiness in austere, high-tempo settings.