Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator – Demonstrations

About the role

The Demonstration Team Senior Associate Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) leads domestic and international unmanned aircraft missions to showcase Shield AI’s V‑BAT system to military, government, and commercial customers. This customer‑facing position requires expert aviation judgment, technical proficiency, and the ability to operate safely in austere, fast‑paced environments.

Key responsibilities

• Execute complex flight demonstrations while building customer confidence through disciplined, mission‑focused operations.
• Plan and lead all aspects of flight missions, including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, and crew coordination.
• Rapidly diagnose and resolve aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
• Provide instruction and mentorship through classroom teaching, simulator training, live‑flight coaching, and standardization activities.
• Adapt to rapidly changing domestic and international environments, making independent decisions while maintaining safety and operational effectiveness.

Required profile

• Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate and a Secret DoD Security Clearance.
• Willingness to travel 60–75% of the time, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments.
• Proven experience operating independently in high‑tempo, austere environments.
• Strong aviation decision‑making, operational risk management, and safety mindset.
• Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills.

Required skills

• UAS operation and flight instruction.
• Aircraft and payload technical troubleshooting.
• Mission planning and risk management.
• Airspace coordination and contingency planning.
• ISR payload integration.
• SATCOM and BVLOS communications.
• Tactical communications systems.