V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking V-Bat Air Vehicle Operators (Level 1-5) in Dallas, Texas. The role includes performing flight operations, training and demonstrations both in CONUS and OCONUS environments. Successful candidates will develop training programs and ensure high safety and operational standards.

The position offers a comprehensive salary range of $56,000 to $168,000 plus bonuses and benefits, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience with manned or unmanned systems is a plus.
• Previous military service with overseas assignments is desirable.
• Experience in maritime/shipboard UAS operations is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform flight operations, testing, and training for V-Bat Air Vehicle.
• Support operational deployments for the DoD and other customers.
• Develop and teach training programs for V-Bat system operations.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to pass background check

Ability to pass medical screenings

Ability to possess a Secret DoD security clearance

Education

FAA Ratings (Part 107/Private Pilot/Commercial/Instrument/CFI)

A&P certified

Job description

Job Description

V-Bat Air Vehicle Operators (Level 1-5) perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements. Candidates must be willing to become proficient in a variety of V-Bat specific AVO skills based on the unique demands of the position for which they are applying.

Teams and Opportunities

• Deployed Operations – AVOs support DoD and foreign customers in an operational capacity during maritime and land-based OCONUS deployments.
• Instructor – AVOs develop and teach programs of instruction based on an institutional and operational knowledge of the V-Bat system and air vehicle operations.
• Training/Standardization and Evaluation – AVOs assigned to this role are responsible for developing and delivering Programs of Instruction (POIs) for the V-BAT system to both internal and external customers. They serve as subject matter experts, providing high-quality instruction and ensuring operators are trained to the highest standards of safety, proficiency, and mission effectiveness. They establish, maintain, and enforce standardization across V-BAT flight operations, conduct evaluations, and provide actionable feedback to uphold operational excellence and safe, effective flight operations.
• Demo/Business Development – AVOs perform flight demonstrations for potential customers in both CONUS and OCONUS locations.
• Production Flight Testing – AVOs test newly produced V-Bat systems and rely on pilot and maintenance skills to ensure quality control and fleet readiness.
• Engineering Research & Development – AVOs perform research and development flights and push the boundaries of innovation in the unmanned air vehicle space.
• Support SME – The UAS Support SME provides advanced (L2) troubleshooting and support for issues encountered in the field, documents and develops a robust knowledge base including troubleshooting guides, system FAQs, and training support materials.
• Experimental Flight Testing/R&D – Operators collaborate with engineering teams to execute integration, ground tests, and flight tests, ensuring seamless interactions between various components and systems of the V-Bat UAV platform. They provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers and others, contribute to development of comprehensive training materials, TTPs, SOPs, and technical documentation, and actively participate in brainstorming sessions to improve the platform.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and lead in a small team environment, often in austere locations, while delighting the customer.
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening in accordance with company policy.
• Ability to pass medical and dental screenings as required by customers.
• Ability to possess a Secret DoD security clearance as required by customers.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience with other manned or unmanned systems.
• Prior military service with overseas assignments.
• Maritime/shipboard UAS experience.
• FAA Ratings (Part 107/Private Pilot/Commercial/Instrument/CFI).
• A&P certified.

Compensation

$56,000 - $168,000 a year.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.