Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Demonstration (R5505)
Dallas · USD 100,000-150,000 / year · Onsite · Posted Sep 24, 2026
At a glance
- Workplace
- Onsite
- Location
- Dallas
- Salary
- USD 100,000-150,000 / year
About the role
- Shield AI is seeking a Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Demonstration (R5505) in Dallas to safely execute complex demonstrations while building customer confidence through professional, disciplined, and mission-focused flight operations.
- The role involves planning and leading all aspects of flight operations including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, crew coordination, and mission execution.
- Candidates will rapidly identify, diagnose, and resolve aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
Responsibilities
- Safely executes complex demonstrations while building customer confidence through professional, disciplined, and mission-focused flight operations.
- Plans and leads all aspects of flight operations including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, crew coordination, and mission execution.
- Rapidly identifies, diagnoses, and resolves aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
- Develops customers and teammates through classroom instruction, simulator training, live-flight instruction, mentorship, and standardization.
- Thrives in rapidly changing domestic and international environments by exercising sound judgment, solving problems independently, and maintaining operational effectiveness under pressure.
Requirements
- Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
- Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance
- Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings, and customer medical/dental requirements
- Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments
- Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo, and austere environments
- Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management, and safety mindset
- Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills
Preferred qualifications
- FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation
- Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
- Experience supporting DoD, allied, or international military operations
- Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
- Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, or flight operations
- Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink, or ground control systems
Benefits
- Pay within range listed
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- Temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees
Workplace
- Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments.
Skills
- V-BAT
- X-BAT
- Hivemind
- Aechelon Simulation
- ISR Payloads
- SATCOM
- BVLOS Operations
- Tactical Communications
- Ground Control Systems
