Shield AI

Deployed Operations Fleet Manager (R5174)

Shield AI$100K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in aviation, UAS operations, or fleet management
  • Strong grasp of aircraft maintenance practices and airworthiness standards
  • Familiarity with fleet management systems like Fleet IQ
  • Experience coordinating with engineering, logistics, and operations teams
  • Prior leadership role in aviation or UAS environments
  • Experience supporting deployed operations
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Maintain real-time fleet status awareness including availability and readiness levels
  • Drive FMC rates through timely maintenance and inspections
  • Ensure crews have necessary aircraft and equipment for operations
  • Oversee utilization of aircraft to maintain operational readiness
  • Serve as primary contact for deployed teams on fleet issues
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of aircraft logbooks and maintenance records
  • Enforce data integrity within the Fleet IQ database
  • Identify fleet performance trends and recommend corrective actions

Benefits

  • Bonus opportunities
  • Equity options
  • Benefits package for full-time employees
  • Temporary benefits after 60 days for temporary positions
Full Job Description
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)

#LI-JM1

#LC

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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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