Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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:
The Internal Training Instructor is responsible for executing and leading V-BAT flight operations in support of Shield AI operators in both land-based and maritime OCONUS environments. This is an operationally focused role requiring strong aviation judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to lead small teams in austere and high-visibility conditions.
The Internal Training Instructor is responsible for executing and maintaining standardized training for Shield AI Aircraft Operators and Maintenance Technicians. This role serves as a training standardization authority, ensuring all personnel are qualified, current, and prepared to support operational requirements. The Internal Training Instructor is responsible for leading mission planning activities, performing comprehensive risk assessments, delivering pre-mission briefings, executing flight operations, and conducting structured post-flight debriefs to the standard of elite aviation training programs.
This is not an entry-level flight operations role. The ideal candidate brings strong aviation fundamentals, disciplined cockpit habits, and mature operational decision-making to an instructional environment.
What you'll do:
Deliver initial qualification training for Aircraft Operators and Maintenance Technicians
Conduct instructor upgrades, evaluations, and endorsements required for operational events
Ensure adherence to standardized procedures, checklists, and training requirements
Maintain oversight of individual qualifications, currency, and additional requirements
Evaluate trainee performance and certify readiness for operational tasking
Support development and refinement of training materials, syllabi, and evaluation criteria
Enforce training standards and identify gaps in performance, curriculum, or execution
Coordinate with operations, standardization, and maintenance teams to align training with mission requirements
Support test events, exercises, and deployments as required
Provide mentorship and guidance to operators and technicians to maintain a high standard of performance
Required qualifications:
Background in structured training environments with formal evaluation processes
Strong understanding of aviation procedures, safety, and standardization
Experience conducting evaluations, certifications, or qualifications
Ability to enforce standards and provide clear, direct feedback
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Preferred qualifications:
At least 3000 documented unmanned flight hours or 1500 manned flight hours
FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Rating
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
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 a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
