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:
The V-BAT Deployed Operations Fleet Manager is responsible for maximizing the Fully Mission Capable (FMC) status of Shield AI’s deployable V-BAT fleet. This role serves as the central authority for internal fleet health, utilization, and documentation, ensuring aircraft and equipment are maintained, properly configured, and consistently available to support global operations.
The Fleet Manager acts as the primary resource for deployed teams on all aircraft and equipment-related matters, providing oversight, guidance, and coordination to ensure operational readiness. This role requires strong technical acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to operate across multiple teams in a dynamic, high-tempo environment.
What you'll do:
- Maintain real-time awareness of fleet status, including aircraft availability, maintenance posture, and readiness levels across all deployed and internal assets
- Drive maximum FMC rates by ensuring required maintenance, inspections, and corrective actions are completed in a timely manner
- Ensure all crews are properly equipped with the necessary aircraft, ground support equipment (GSE), and spare parts to execute operations
- Oversee utilization of internally owned aircraft, ensuring assets are flown regularly to maintain operational readiness and system health
- Serve as the primary point of contact for deployed personnel regarding aircraft, equipment, and fleet-related issues
- Ensure all aircraft logbooks, maintenance records, and supporting documentation are accurate, complete, and current
- Enforce proper data entry and integrity within the Fleet IQ database
- Identify and brief trends, risks, and gaps in Deployed Operations fleet performance and recommend corrective actions
Additional duties (as needed):
- Track and manage RFIs (Requests for Information) from forward-deployed personnel
- Conduct advanced fleet analysis to support operational decision-making and long-term planning
- Assist in developing documentation and best practices
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to fleet readiness and operational efficiency
Required qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in aviation, UAS operations, or fleet management
- Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance practices, logbooks, and airworthiness standards
- Familiarity with fleet management systems or databases (e.g., Fleet IQ or similar tools)
- Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, logistics, and operations teams
- Prior experience in a leadership or coordination role within aviation or UAS environments
- Experience supporting deployed or expeditionary operations
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with attention to detail
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with V-BAT or similar UAS platforms
- Background in maintenance control, production control, or fleet readiness management
- Experience analyzing fleet data and identifying trends to improve reliability and performance
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate independently in ambiguous environments
- FAA certifications (A&P, Part 107) or military aviation background (preferred but not required)
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.