V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Deployed Operations

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

The Rundown AI, Inc. seeks a Senior Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) in Dallas, TX, to lead V-BAT flight operations for DoD and overseas deployments. The role requires comprehensive mission planning, flight execution, and mentoring junior operators.

The ideal candidate will possess at least 1,500 flight hours, a Private Pilot License, and strong decision-making abilities in high-visibility conditions. A full-time position offering competitive pay, benefits, and equity awaits.

Qualifications

• At least 1,500 documented flight hours.
• Ability to obtain and hold a Secret DoD security clearance.
• Experience serving as a Site Lead for aviation operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission planning activities and perform comprehensive risk assessments.
• Execute flight operations and conduct post-flight debriefs.
• Mentor junior operators and coordinate with maintenance.

Skills

Aviation decision-making

Risk management skills

Independent operation in teams

Customer briefing

Education

Private Pilot License (PPL)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Job description

The Senior Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) – Deployment Operations is responsible for executing and leading V-BAT flight operations in support of DoD and foreign customers in both land-based and maritime OCONUS environments. This operationally focused role requires strong aviation judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to lead small teams in austere and high-visibility conditions.

The Senior AVO is responsible for leading mission planning activities, performing comprehensive risk assessments, delivering pre-mission briefings, executing flight operations, and conducting structured post-flight debriefs. This role includes conducting Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and system validation as required, ensuring aircraft configuration control and logbook accuracy, coordinating with maintenance to sustain fleet readiness, and supporting overall operational discipline. The Senior AVO will mentor junior operators, serve as the on‑site operational representative to customers, and travel extensively in support of deployments.

This is not an entry‑level flight operations role. The ideal candidate brings strong aviation fundamentals, disciplined cockpit habits, and mature operational decision‑making. They must be comfortable leading deployments, briefing customers, managing risk in dynamic environments, and maintaining professionalism in high‑visibility settings. The Senior AVO must balance mission execution with customer satisfaction while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• At least 1,500 documented flight hours
• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Rating
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
• Ability to obtain and hold a Secret DoD security clearance
• Ability to pass background, drug screening, and customer‑required medical/dental screenings
• Willingness to travel up to 50–75% in support of deployments
• Ability to lead and operate independently in small teams under austere conditions
• Strong aviation decision‑making and risk management skills
• Previous experience serving as a Site Lead responsible for leading and overseeing aviation operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating as crew on manned aircraft
• Prior military service, particularly with overseas deployments
• Maritime / shipboard UAS experience
• Instructor experience (manned or unmanned)

Employment Details

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.

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.