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.

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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