Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown jets (F-16; MQM-178 Firejet), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (MQ-35 V-BAT), and three quadcopters (Nova, Nova 2, iPRD). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

Job Description:

In this role, you'll join a high-performing, cross-functional team dedicated to crafting next-generation capabilities. The Operations Officer at Shield AI is a senior planner and leader with experience in driving mission outcomes and must be comfortable routinely engaging key stakeholders and partners on matters of strategic importance. Operations Officers are assigned to support specialty teams and are pivotal in optimizing their flight operations and driving overall organizational performance. This role oversees a broad array of essential tasks, including crew and asset allocation, flight range management, flight data collection and deliverables, government approvals, airworthiness submissions, and the maintenance of departmental databases and reporting systems. Serving as the Action Officer for airworthiness, the Operations Officer works to mitigate or eliminate potential impacts that could jeopardize mission objectives. They also serve as a key liaison, facilitating communication between external contractors, government agencies, and Shield AI Mission Operations teams, ensuring alignment and continuous progress toward strategic goals.

What You'll Do:

You will be assigned to support a specialty team in an operational oversight capacity: Deployed Operations, Operational Support Group, or Fleet Asset Management.

Deployed Operations

Manage the team’s subcontractor relationships and perform capacity planning
Perform quality control of pre- and post-deployment products
Track Net Promoter Scores amongst various deployment and training customer groups
Provide essential airworthiness support and manage flight range and aircraft lease coordination
Coordinate and serve as Action Officer for various operator training events
Collect and analyze efficiency metrics on operator, team, and company performance related to deployments and training
Support leadership with developing, driving, and communicating overall strategy
Problem-solve specific issues as they arise, identify solution options, facilitate decision meetings, and drive execution
Refine processes and SOPs regarding overseas operations
Partner cross-functionally to drive collaboration and dissemination of key lessons learned

Operational Support Group

Perform quality control of production and experimental flight test products and deliverables
Support maintenance data analysis and fleet sustainment initiatives
Track Net Promoter Scores amongst various fleet support, developmental testing and acceptance testing customer groups
Provide essential airworthiness support and manage flight range and aircraft lease coordination
Coordinate and serve as Action Officer for various customer acceptance and delivery events
Support leadership with developing, driving, and communicating overall strategy
Problem-solve specific issues as they arise, identify solution options, facilitate decision meetings, and drive execution
Collect and analyze efficiency metrics on operator, team, and company performance related to test, maintenance and sustainment goals
Refine processes and SOPs regarding flight testing, fleet support, and maintenance
Partner cross-functionally to drive collaboration and dissemination of key lessons learned

Fleet Asset Management

Manage and coordinate use, inspections, maintenance, and accountability of the company’s vehicle fleet
Evaluate use of internal assets and equipment and generate demand signal for growth as needed
Implement and oversee a chain of custody process for vehicles and aircraft systems
Be present during hardware issuance and check-in to enforce and teach the process to flight teams
Teach software/firmware upgrades to operators on various hardware
Coordinate bailments, enforce adherence to procedural requirements, and ensure timely returns to vendors
Facilitate Return Merchandise Authorizations for inoperable hardware from the fleet
Document hardware inoperability and misuse, identify failure modes and use data to recommend solutions
Solicit input from operators for system improvements to delight our customers
Refine processes and SOPs regarding aircraft systems and vehicles
Support demonstrations and distinguished visitors by coordinating static displays of company products

Required Qualifications:

Minimum of 3 years leading in a fast-paced organization
Highly effective oral and written communications and ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Candidate must be able to operate effectively at remote work sites without direct supervision
Candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and similar computer-based productivity applications
Experience owning cross-functional improvement initiatives end-to-end
Ability to travel domestically as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

Operations Staff experience
Bachelor's Degree or higher
Senior NCO or Officer Professional Military Education
Deployed operational experience in a leadership role
Understanding of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies

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Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.

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