UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician (R5438)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  Job Description: Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are seeking a UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician to support autonomous aircraft testing, demonstrations, and flight operations in Ukraine.  This is a highly hands-on, field-focused role supporting fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in simulation, ground testing, and live flight environments. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in dynamic field conditions, troubleshooting hardware and operational issues, and supporting autonomous flight testing activities with a strong safety mindset.  This role will primarily support operations in the Lviv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine for demonstrations, testing, and operational support activities.  #LI-LD2 #LC Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner. What you'll do: Operate fixed-wing and multirotor unmanned aircraft systems in test and operational environments   Serve as a safety pilot for experimental and autonomous aircraft systems, including manual recovery of aircraft when required   Support execution of simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities   Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) and associated mission systems   Support pre-flight setup, aircraft inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight activities   Configure, setup, transport, and maintain aircraft, support equipment, batteries, radios, networking equipment, and operational infrastructure   Troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems and field support equipment   Transport equipment and personnel to test and demonstration sites   Create and maintain operational checklists, packing lists, maintenance logs, and flight documentation   Support demonstration events and customer flight operations   Work closely with engineering and flight test teams to support safe and effective field operations   Ensure operations comply with local airspace requirements, operational procedures, and applicable Ukrainian UAS regulations   Required qualifications: 3+ years of experience operating unmanned aircraft systems in field, test, or operational environments   Experience operating both fixed-wing and multirotor UAS platforms   Experience supporting Group 1 and Group 2 UAS operations, approximately up to 55 lbs / 25 kg   Strong understanding of flight safety procedures and emergency recovery operations   Experience supporting flight tests, demonstrations, or operational field exercises   Familiarity with Ground Control Stations, telemetry systems, radios, and mission support equipment   Experience supporting SIL, HIL, VIL, or related test environments   Ability to troubleshoot and repair aircraft and support equipment in the field   Strong organizational skills and attention to operational detail   Familiarity with Ukrainian airspace requirements and operational procedures for UAS operations   Valid driver’s license and ability to transport equipment and personnel to operational sites   Ability to travel within Ukraine as required   Ability to obtain and maintain any required Ukrainian remote pilot or UAS operational certifications   Preferred qualifications: Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or experimental flight testing   Background in military, defense, robotics, or aerospace operations   Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems   Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems   Mechanical or electrical maintenance experience on unmanned aircraft systems   Experience operating in austere or rapidly changing field environments   Familiarity with BVLOS operations and operational risk management   Ukrainian and English language proficiency   Prior experience supporting defense or tactical UAS operations