Deployed Operations Fleet Manager (R5174)

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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. 

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.  

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  

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  

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   

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) 

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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.

 

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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.