UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician

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. 

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

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