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)
Skills Required
- 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
- 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
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
