The Demonstration Team - Senior Associate Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) is responsible for planning, executing, and leading domestic and international unmanned aircraft operations in support of customer demonstrations, evaluations, training events, operational exercises, and business development activities.
This position serves as one of the primary customer-facing representatives of the company and plays a critical role in showcasing the capabilities of the V-BAT system to military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. The successful candidate must consistently demonstrate exceptional aviation judgment, professionalism, technical expertise, and adaptability while operating in dynamic and often austere environments.
Unlike traditional flight operations, Demonstration Team AVOs are expected to independently execute missions with limited support while simultaneously serving as operators, instructors, maintainers, mission planners, technical advisors, and customer liaisons. Success in this role requires the ability to rapidly solve complex technical and operational problems while maintaining a relentless commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys frequent travel, embraces uncertainty, and is motivated by building customer confidence through exceptional operational execution.
What you'll do:
- Customer-Focused Flight Operations- Safely executes complex demonstrations while building customer confidence through professional, disciplined, and mission-focused flight operations.
- Mission Planning & Operational Leadership- Plans and leads all aspects of flight operations including risk management, airspace coordination, contingency planning, crew coordination, and mission execution.
- Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Knowledge- Rapidly identifies, diagnoses, and resolves aircraft, payload, datalink, and ground system issues to maximize mission success and aircraft availability.
- Instruction, Mentorship & Team Development- Develops customers and teammates through classroom instruction, simulator training, live-flight instruction, mentorship, and standardization.
- Adaptability & Independent Decision-Making- Thrives in rapidly changing domestic and international environments by exercising sound judgment, solving problems independently, and maintaining operational effectiveness under pressure.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum 1,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 250 manned flight hours
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD Security Clearance
Ability to pass required background investigations, drug screenings, and customer medical/dental requirements
Willingness and ability to travel 60–75%, including frequent CONUS and OCONUS deployments
Demonstrated experience operating independently in dynamic, high-tempo, and austere environments
Strong aviation decision-making, operational risk management, and safety mindset
Excellent verbal communication and professional customer engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications:
FAA Private Pilot Certificate (PPL) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Certificate
Previous instructor qualification in manned or unmanned aviation
Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
Experience supporting DoD, allied, or international military operations
Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
Experience leading customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, or flight operations
Experience troubleshooting aircraft, payload, datalink, or ground control systems
Familiarity with ISR payloads, SATCOM, BVLOS operations, and tactical communications
Experience coordinating international deployments, logistics, or expeditionary operations
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
