We are currently seeking a highly skilled Sr. Staff Technician to support the development and build of V-BAT unmanned aircraft system across mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary role for an experienced technician who thrives in a fast-paced engineering environment and partners closely with engineers to bring new designs to life. The ideal candidate will interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and evolving design requirements to execute complex assemblies, troubleshoot system-level issues, and contribute to rapid prototyping efforts. This role requires strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver high-quality hardware while influencing build processes, design improvements, and overall system integration.
What you'll do:
- Lead hands-on build, integration, and rework of V-BAT prototype mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems.
- Serve as the primary technician partner to engineering during development cycles, translating engineering intent into high-quality hardware.
- Execute complex mechanical and electrical assemblies, including harnessing, avionics integration, propulsion installs, and structural builds.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot system-level issues across vehicle subsystems, driving root cause identification and corrective actions.
- Support rapid prototyping efforts, including custom fabrication, modifications, and iterative design feedback.
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and propulsion engineers to improve design for manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
- Develop and refine build processes, work instructions, and best practices for prototype and low-rate builds.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior technicians, setting standards for quality, efficiency, and workmanship.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety, quality, and configuration control processes in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Required qualifications:
- 12+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, robotics, defense, or a related field.
- Deep experience with both mechanical and electrical assembly in complex systems (air vehicles, UAVs, or similar highly integrated platforms preferred).
- Strong troubleshooting skills across multiple domains (mechanical, electrical, propulsion).
- Ability to work from engineering drawings, schematics, and CAD models with minimal supervision.
- Experience with avionics integration, wiring/harnessing, connectors, and test equipment.
- Proficiency with standard shop tools, fabrication techniques, and prototype build environments.
- Proven ability to operate independently while also collaborating effectively with engineering teams.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with UAS/UAV platforms, especially Group 2–3 systems.
- Familiarity with propulsion systems (including electric and/or hybrid).
- Background in rapid prototyping or R&D environments versus production-only roles.
Skills Required
- 12+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, robotics, defense, or a related field.
- Deep experience with both mechanical and electrical assembly in complex systems (air vehicles, UAVs, or similar highly integrated platforms preferred).
- Strong troubleshooting skills across multiple domains (mechanical, electrical, propulsion).
- Ability to work from engineering drawings, schematics, and CAD models with minimal supervision.
- Experience with avionics integration, wiring/harnessing, connectors, and test equipment.
- Proficiency with standard shop tools, fabrication techniques, and prototype build environments.
- Proven ability to operate independently while also collaborating effectively with engineering teams.
- Experience with UAS/UAV platforms, especially Group 2-3 systems.
- Familiarity with propulsion systems (including electric and/or hybrid).
- Background in rapid prototyping or R&D environments versus production-only roles.
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
At Shield AI, you won't wait years to see your work reach the field. You'll build hardware and software that operates in the real world right now, in the hands of the people who depend on it. Hivemind, our AI pilot, has been flying since 2018. It has flown more than 30 platforms, including an F-16, and it now sits under a U.S. Air Force production contract for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. When you write code or shape a system here, you contribute to technology with a proven flight record and a clear production future. V-BAT flies intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with an operational record that stretches from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. It delivers eyes where they matter most, in the most demanding conditions on earth. The teams behind it watch their work get tested where the stakes are real. X-BAT takes its first flight this year. It's an AI-piloted fighter that needs no runway, built to operate where traditional aircraft can't. Join now and you help shape a program at its earliest, most formative stage. That's the kind of ground-floor work that defines a career. Do the most impactful work of your life, on problems that matter. Autonomy at this level asks a lot of you. You'll take on problems in perception, planning, and control that few teams anywhere are equipped to solve. You'll work across disciplines, from aerospace and robotics to machine learning and systems engineering, alongside people who hold themselves to an exacting standard and expect the same from you. Our mission is clear: protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. That purpose runs through every decision, every design review, and every deployment. It's why the work here carries a weight you can feel. Ready to join our mission? Explore our open roles and find where you fit.
Why Work With Us
Founded in 2015 by a former Navy SEAL, Shield AI builds AI pilots and uncrewed aircraft. Veterans aren't an afterthought here, they're at every level. It's why the work carries weight: AI pilots and uncrewed aircraft flying real missions, from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific, protecting service members and civilians.
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
