Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
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)
