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
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Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking highly skilled and disciplined Aircraft Mechanic IV to support the development, testing, and maturation of X-BAT, an autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. This hands-on position is responsible for performing complex aircraft maintenance, troubleshooting, inspections, modifications, and ground-test support in a developmental aerospace environment.
The Aircraft Mechanic IV will work closely with engineering teams, and test personnel to maintain aircraft readiness, configuration accuracy, and safe execution of test activities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical judgment, disciplined documentation practices, and the ability to work independently within approved procedures while mentoring less-experienced technicians.
What you'll do:
Perform advanced maintenance, inspections, servicing, repairs, and component replacement on X-BAT propulsion, flight control, mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems.
Support aircraft assembly, integration, modification, and instrumentation installation in accordance with approved engineering instructions and technical documentation.
Execute pre-test and post-test inspections, identify discrepancies, and document aircraft condition and maintenance status.
Support engine start, ground runs, hover preparation, shutdown, and other ground-test activities under the direction of the Crew Chief and designated test personnel.
Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and avionics discrepancies using technical drawings, wiring diagrams, approved procedures, and diagnostic equipment.
Coordinate with engineering to resolve discrepancies, clarify technical requirements, and implement approved corrective actions.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, component traceability, configuration status, and discrepancy documentation.
Verify that assigned maintenance and modification tasks are complete and properly documented before presenting the aircraft for readiness review.
Follow test cards, safety plans, hazard controls, PPE requirements, and test-area access restrictions; promptly report unsafe conditions.
Maintain tool accountability, foreign object debris prevention, and serviceability of assigned ground support equipment.
Identify requirements for tools, consumables, replacement parts, and support equipment needed to complete assigned work.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced mechanics and technicians, including task coordination when assigned.
Support root-cause investigations, anomaly resolution, and improvements to maintenance procedures and operational processes.
Support aircraft recovery activities, field-site setup and teardown, and maintenance during extended test deployments.
Represent the X-BAT program with professionalism and alignment to Shield AI’s mission and values.
Required qualifications:
10+ years of aviation maintenance experience with military or commercial aircraft.
Demonstrated hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting turbine propulsion, flight controls, aircraft mechanical systems, electrical systems, or avionics.
Ability to independently complete complex maintenance tasks within approved procedures and recognize when engineering direction or additional authorization is required.
Proficiency interpreting technical manuals, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, maintenance instructions, and configuration documentation.
Proven ability to diagnose and resolve aircraft discrepancies under time and operational pressure without compromising safety or maintenance quality.
Experience maintaining accurate aircraft maintenance records, tool accountability, and configuration control.
Strong understanding of aviation maintenance safety, ground-test hazards, and risk management practices.
Experience providing technical guidance or mentorship to other mechanics and technicians.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with maintenance, engineering, and test teams.
Ability to travel frequently and support extended field-test deployments as required.
Ability to obtain and maintain relevant clearances or certifications if needed.
Preferred qualifications:
Prior experience as a senior aircraft mechanic, lead maintainer, or military aircraft maintenance craftsman.
Experience supporting developmental aircraft, prototype assembly, flight-test programs, or unmanned aircraft systems.
Experience with VTOL aircraft, tail-sitter platforms, turbine propulsion, or autonomous systems.
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or military equivalent.
Experience with aircraft modification, system integration, rigging, and functional checks.
Familiarity with flight-test operations, test readiness reviews, and data collection processes.
Experience with structured safety processes such as Operational Risk Management (ORM), Task Hazard Analysis (THA), or Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Experience supporting aircraft recovery and operating ground support equipment.
