About the role
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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:
The Senior Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) – Deployment Operations is responsible for executing and leading V-BAT flight operations in support of DoD and foreign customers in both land-based and maritime OCONUS environments. This is an operationally focused role requiring strong aviation judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to lead small teams in austere and high-visibility conditions.
The Senior AVO is responsible for leading mission planning activities, performing comprehensive risk assessments, delivering pre-mission briefings, executing flight operations, and conducting structured post-flight debriefs. This role includes conducting Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and system validation as required, ensuring aircraft configuration control and logbook accuracy, coordinating with maintenance to sustain fleet readiness, and supporting overall operational discipline. The Senior AVO will mentor junior operators, serve as the on-site operational representative to customers, and travel extensively in support of deployments.
This is not an entry-level flight operations role. The ideal candidate brings strong aviation fundamentals, disciplined cockpit habits, and mature operational decision-making. They must be comfortable leading deployments, briefing customers, managing risk in dynamic environments, and maintaining professionalism in high-visibility settings. The Senior AVO must balance mission execution with customer satisfaction while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Aplyr's read
Shield AI pioneers defense technology with AI-driven drones, attracting engineers and product managers passionate about autonomous systems in complex environments.
What's promising
- •Innovative AI technology aims to enhance safety for military personnel and civilians.
- •Strong focus on autonomous systems positions Shield AI at the forefront of defense tech.
- •Recent hiring in engineering and product management indicates growth and investment in R&D.
What to watch
- •Dependence on defense contracts may pose financial risks if government priorities shift.
- •High specialization in defense tech might limit opportunities for broader market applications.
- •Intense competition in the defense technology sector could impact market share.
Why Shield AI
- •Shield AI's focus on AI-powered drones for defense is a niche specialization.
- •Commitment to protecting service members through technology sets it apart in the defense industry.
- •Advanced autonomous systems development distinguishes Shield AI from traditional defense contractors.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Shield AI
Shield AI is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems for defense applications. Their mission is to protect service members and civilians by developing advanced AI-powered drones and robotics that can operate in complex environments.
