Shield AI
Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Field Integration and Test (R5130)
A Senior Associate V-BAT Operator, AVO, assigned to Field Integration and Test (FIT), supports V-BAT field integration activities and flight operations in CONUS and OCONUS environments. This role supports customer site surveys, system installations, calibration events, aircraft operational checks, training support, and operational handoff activities in coordination with Engineering and Customer Operations teams.
This position extends beyond traditional AVO duties. FIT AVOs support site survey planning and execution, installation readiness, aircraft and ground system setup, calibration support, and post-calibration operational checks. After calibration activities, the FIT AVO works with Deployment Operations to verify aircraft readiness, confirm operational usability and set deployed operators up for successful customer operations.
FIT AVOs support DoD, coalition, and international customers in maritime and land-based environments. This includes austere, high-tempo, shipboard, expeditionary, and customer test environments. Senior Associates are expected to model professionalism, enforce safety standards, mentor junior operators, and contribute to system readiness, customer confidence, and mission success.
FIT AVOs may also provide cross-functional support within Customer Operations and support Production Flight Test, Experimental Flight Test, and demonstration activities as required and when team bandwidth permits.
What you'll do:
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, payloads, ground systems, datalinks, LAN-based networks, MANET networks, RF communications, SATCOM, 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
Required Qualifications:
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 maintain a Secret DoD security clearance
Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and customer-required medical/dental screenings
Willingness to travel on short notice 50 to 75 percent in support of CONUS and OCONUS site surveys, installs, calibrations, flight operations, customer events, and deployment support
Ability to climb ship masts, vertical ladders, and rooftop access points; work in confined or tight areas; and lift and carry 50 pounds or more in land-based and maritime environments
Proven ability to lead and operate independently in small teams, including austere, shipboard, expeditionary, and high-tempo environments
Strong aviation judgment, decision-making, crew coordination, and risk management skills
Ability to troubleshoot aircraft, payload, ground control, communications, network, and support equipment issues at the field level
Preferred Qualifications:
FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot License
Experience operating as aircrew on manned aircraft
Experience with MANET, MPU5, RF communications, Starlink, Starshield, and SATCOM integration or setup
Prior military service, especially with overseas, maritime, or deployed operations
Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
Previous experience as a Site Lead, Crew Lead, Instructor Operator, or aviation operations lead
Experience supporting system installation, calibration, test events, or field acceptance activities
Experience troubleshooting RF, C2, SATCOM, MANET, Starlink, Starshield, ISR payload, or ground control system issues
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