AV & Drone
UAS Operator & Flight Operations Technician (R5438)
- Driver's license
- 3+ yr experience
About the role
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
#LI-LD2
#LC
Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
From Shield AI's job posting, checked Nov 1, 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
The application
Your details and CV, then 14 questions (7 written).
- 1.Are you local to or willing to relocate?Yes or no
- 2.What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply)Pick any (7 options) · optional
- 3.If you selected international, what location(s)?Written answer · optional
- 4.Please select all languages that you are at minimum business conversational or fluent inPick one (8 options)
- 5.Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these misPick one: Yes · No · Other
- 6.(Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below:Written answer · optional
- 7.This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?Pick one: A United States Citizen · A lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Greencard holder) · A protected individual · Other
- 8.If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further.Written answer · optional
- 9.Are you a transitioning service member?Yes or no
- 10.If yes, what partnership program are you working with?Pick one: Hiring our Heroes · NextOp · Skillbridge general (no program) · optional
- 11.If other, please provide further detailsWritten answer · optional
- 12.When are you available to start your fellowship?Written answer · optional
- 13.When are you available for full time work?Written answer · optional
- 14.What full time job(s) are you applying for?Written answer
From Shield AI's apply page, checked Oct 10, 2026.
About Shield AI
V-BAT air vehicle, UAS operator and pilot roles on Shield AI's official hiring board.
How it pays: Employment and payment terms are stated in individual job postings.
From our research: 6 sourced facts about Shield AI · AV & Drone Operators market (market report)
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