Shield AI · 2 days ago
Crew Chief, Next Gen Aircraft (R4387)
Wichita, Kansas Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$49/hr - $74/hr
10+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a highly skilled Crew Chief to lead ground operations for the X-BAT autonomous VTOL jet aircraft, ensuring aircraft readiness and overseeing a team during test activities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Lead all ground operations for X-BAT including pre-test inspections, engine start procedures, hover preparation, post-test shutdown, and system configuration verification
Maintain strict configuration control across all aircraft systems and ensure readiness documentation is accurate and current
Execute ground operations in accordance with test cards, safety plans, and engineering requirements
Direct and supervise technicians and operators in support of daily test activities and field deployments
Conduct troubleshooting of propulsion, electrical, avionics, and mechanical systems and coordinate corrective actions with engineering teams
Implement and enforce all safety procedures, hazard controls, PPE requirements, and test-area access restrictions
Manage ground support equipment, tools, consumables, and spares to ensure mission readiness
Contribute to root-cause investigations, anomaly resolution, and continuous improvement of operational processes
Support test logistics planning, field-site setup, and teardown
Represent the X-BAT program with professionalism and alignment to Shield AI’s mission and values
Qualification
Required
10+ years of aviation maintenance experience with military or commercial aircraft
Hands-on experience with propulsion systems, flight controls, unmanned aircraft, or developmental aerospace programs
Demonstrated leadership experience directing small teams in operational or maintenance environments
Strong understanding of safety protocols, ground test operations, and risk management practices
Proven ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, or avionics issues under time and operational pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interface effectively with cross-functional 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
Prior experience as a Crew Chief or Lead Maintainer
Experience with VTOL aircraft, tail-sitter platforms, turbine propulsion, or autonomous systems
Familiarity with flight test operations, test readiness reviews, and data collection processes
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification or military equivalent
Experience with structured safety processes such as ORM, THA, or SMS
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
Company data provided by crunchbase