Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking an X-BAT Training Design Lead to architect and scale the training ecosystem for next-generation autonomous aircraft systems. This role sits at the intersection of operations, engineering, and human performance, owning how pilots, operators, and support personnel are prepared to effectively employ and sustain X-BAT across its full lifecycle.

Unlike a traditional training role, this position focuses on designing the system of training, ensuring that training evolves alongside rapid system development, flight testing, and operational deployment. The Training Strategist will work closely with engineering, flight test, operations, and product teams to translate complex system capabilities into scalable, mission-ready training programs that enable safe, effective, and confident real-world use.

What you'll do:

• Design and implement the end-to-end training strategy for X-BAT operators, maintainers, and mission support personnel
• Define training pipelines aligned to system maturity, spanning development, flight test, deployment, and sustainment
• Establish training standards, certification frameworks, and readiness criteria to support operational excellence
• Ensure training systems are scaled with program growth and deployment needs
• Oversee development of structured training curricula, including operator qualification, mission planning and execution, maintenance, troubleshooting, and system education
• Translate complex system behaviors (autonomy, avionics, mission systems) into clear, digestible learning modules
• Ensure alignment between training materials, technical documentation, and real-world system configurations
• Partner with engineering and product teams to stay current on system updates, new capabilities, and limitations
• Integrate flight test insights and operational lessons learned into continuously evolving training content
• Collaborate with operations teams to validate training effectiveness in mission environments
• Work closely with technical writers to ensure consistency across training and documentation
• Define and implement modern training methodologies, including simulation-based training, scenario-driven mission exercises, and blended learning approaches
• Evaluate and integrate training technologies such as simulators, virtual environments, and AI-assisted tools
• Ensure training supports both individual proficiency and team-based mission execution
• Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess training effectiveness and operator readiness
• Establish certification processes, checkrides, and proficiency benchmarks
• Continuously refine training based on performance data, mission feedback, and system updates
• Maintain alignment between training content and evolving system baselines
• Rapidly update training materials in response to flight test results, software releases, hardware changes, and operational feedback
• Support fielded units with ongoing training, refresher programs, and updates
• Manage training knowledge systems, ensuring content is structured, version-controlled, and accessible
• Build repeatable processes for maintaining and distributing training materials
• Identify gaps in training coverage and proactively develop solutions

Required qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in aviation training, military training systems, instructional design, or technical training for complex systems
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Instructional Design, Technical Communication, or a related field
• Experience developing training programs for advanced systems (aircraft, UAV/UAS, autonomy, or similar)
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, mission operations, or autonomous platforms
• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective training experiences
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and product teams
• Familiarity with instructional design principles and training system development
• Strong self-sufficient work ethic with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and consistency across training materials and programs
• Ability to identify missing, ambiguous, or incomplete information and drive clarity
• Comfort working across time zones and distributed teams
• Eagerness to work in a fast-moving, nontraditional defense and aerospace environment

Preferred qualifications:

• Background in military aviation, flight operations, or mission planning environments
• Familiarity with DoD training frameworks, standards, or qualification programs
• Experience with simulation-based training systems or virtual/augmented training environments
• Experience building certification pipelines, readiness frameworks, or operator qualification programs
• Defense industry experience
• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Aviation, Engineering, or a related field
• Project management experience supporting complex, cross-functional programs
• Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools to enhance training development and delivery

$140,000 - $210,000 a year

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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.