Staff Technician, Flight Operations & Pilot Duties (R4117) at Shield AI

San Diego, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, DronesIndustries

Requirements

Strong situational awareness and commitment to safety
Excellent problem-solving skills and technical curiosity
Ability to perform under pressure in dynamic environments
Clear communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams
Passion for advancing autonomous flight and national security missions
Associate’s degree or equivalent military/technical experience in aviation, electronics, robotics, or mechatronics
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 60 days)
2+ years of experience operating or maintaining unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including both rotary and fixed-wing platforms
Hands-on experience with flight control systems, telemetry, and ground control software
Familiarity with FAA regulations, airspace coordination, and operational safety best practices
Ability to travel frequently for field operations, testing, and demonstrations (domestic and international)
Preferred qualifications
Experience with autonomous or semi-autonomous UAV systems
Knowledge of RF communication systems, sensor payloads, and data link troubleshooting
Familiarity with Linux systems and scripting for test automation or flight data processing
Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or military UAV operations

Responsibilities

Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) or Pilot in the Loop (PIL) for Shield AI UAV flight operations, including quadcopters and fixed-wing platforms
Plan and conduct flight missions for testing, validation, demonstrations, and training
Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ensuring aircraft are flight-ready and mission-compliant
Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) to monitor aircraft telemetry, sensors, and payload systems
Support mission planning, airspace coordination, and compliance with FAA Part 107 and military flight safety standards
Execute field deployments for testing and demonstrations, including setup and teardown of operational sites
Conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and component-level repairs for UAVs and support equipment
Troubleshoot electrical, propulsion, avionics, and communication systems
Assist in hardware integration, firmware updates, and sensor payload installations
Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance, flight logs, and system configurations
Support engineering teams in collecting and analyzing flight data for performance improvement
Work cross-functionally with software, mechanical, and test engineering teams to identify issues and propose solutions
Participate in flight readiness reviews, safety assessments, and post-mission debriefs
Contribute to flight procedure documentation and continuous process improvement efforts
Serve as a technical representative during customer demos, training, and field testing events

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

UAV operationsRemote Pilot in CommandFAA Part 107Ground Control Stationsflight mission planningairspace coordinationpreventive maintenanceUAV troubleshootingquadcoptersfixed-wing dronestelemetry monitoringpre-flight inspections

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the required qualifications for this Staff Technician role?

The role requires strong situational awareness and commitment to safety, excellent problem-solving skills and technical curiosity, ability to perform under pressure in dynamic environments, and clear communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or is there a location requirement?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the team collaboration look like in this role?

The role involves working cross-functionally with software, mechanical, and test engineering teams to identify issues and propose solutions, participating in flight readiness reviews, safety assessments, post-mission debriefs, and serving as a technical representative during customer demos and field testing.

What makes a strong candidate for this Flight Operations Technician position?

A strong candidate has a blend of aviation technical experience and UAV flight operations expertise, with a focus on safety, precision, and mission execution, along with hands-on ability to serve as Remote Pilot in Command, perform maintenance, and collaborate cross-functionally.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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