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Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Deployed Operations Site Lead

Shield AI· Aircraft Operations Division – Customer Operations
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Dallas, TX$98k - $155kFull Time EmployeePosted 7mo ago

About the role

Senior Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) – Deployment Operations responsible for executing and leading V-BAT flight operations for DoD and foreign customers in land-based and maritime OCONUS environments, including mission planning, risk assessment, briefings, flight execution, post-flight debriefs, FCFs, system validation, configuration control, and on-site customer leadership. Requires mentoring junior operators, extensive travel, and ability to operate in austere, high-visibility settings.

Responsibilities

  • Lead mission planning activities, perform comprehensive risk assessments, deliver pre-mission briefings, execute flight operations, and conduct structured post-flight debriefs.
  • Conduct Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and system validation as required.
  • Ensure aircraft configuration control and logbook accuracy.
  • Coordinate with maintenance to sustain fleet readiness.
  • Support overall operational discipline.
  • Mentor junior operators and serve as the on-site operational representative to customers.
  • Travel extensively in support of deployments.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2000 documented unmanned flight hours or 1000 manned flight hours
  • Demonstrated instructor experience (manned or unmanned aviation)
  • FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • 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 judgment, decision-making, and risk management skills

Skills

Required:Unmanned flight hoursInstructor experienceFAA Private Pilot License (PPL)FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Class II Medical CertificateDoD security clearance

Benefits

  • 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 skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location
  • All offers contingent on cleared background and possible reference check
  • Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

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