Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Demonstration (R5505)
Dallas, Texas at a glance
- Rent
- #25 of 51$2,220/mo-15% vs US avg
- Weather
- #13 of 51183 mild daysstatewide median
- Income tax
- #51 of 51NoneTexas
What you need
- 1,000+ unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
- FAA Class II Medical Certificate
- Secret DoD security clearance eligibility
- 60-75% travel with CONUS/OCONUS deployments
- Independent operations in austere environments
What you'll do
- Execute customer demonstrations and flight operations
- Plan and lead mission planning and risk management
- Troubleshoot aircraft, payload, datalink, ground systems
- Provide instruction, mentorship, and standardization
- Make independent decisions in dynamic environments
The Demonstration Team - Senior Associate Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) is responsible for planning, executing, and leading domestic and international unmanned aircraft operations in support of customer demonstrations, evaluations, training events, operational exercises, and business development activities.
This position serves as one of the primary customer-facing representatives of the company and plays a critical role in showcasing the capabilities of the V-BAT system to military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. The successful candidate must consistently demonstrate exceptional aviation judgment, professionalism, technical expertise, and adaptability while operating in dynamic and often austere environments.
Unlike traditional flight operations, Demonstration Team AVOs are expected to independently execute missions with limited support while simultaneously serving as operators, instructors, maintainers, mission planners, technical advisors, and customer liaisons. Success in this role requires the ability to rapidly solve complex technical and operational problems while maintaining a relentless commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys frequent travel, embraces uncertainty, and is motivated by building customer confidence through exceptional operational execution.
What you'll do:
Required Qualifications:
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Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
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Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
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Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance
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Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings, and customer medical/dental requirements
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Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments
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Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo, and austere environments
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Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management, and safety mindset
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Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications:
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FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
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FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate
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Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation
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Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
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Experience supporting DoD, allied, or international military operations
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Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
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Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, or flight operations
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Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink, or ground control systems
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Familiarity with ISR payloads, SATCOM, BVLOS operations, and tactical communications
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Experience coordinating international deployments, logistics, or expeditionary operations
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About Shield AI
Shield AI is a defense technology company building the world's best AI pilot. Their Hivemind AI enables autonomous operations for aircraft, including the V-BAT team drone, without requiring GPS, communications, or a human pilot.
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