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Crew Chief, Gen Aircraft; R4387

Job in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, 67232, USA
Listing for: Shield AI
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-01-16
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 49 - 74 USD Hourly USD 49.00 74.00 HOUR
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Position: Crew Chief, Next Gen Aircraft (R4387)

Job Description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT Irak and the Hivemind Enterprise and Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and the Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Follow Shield AI on Linked In, X, Instagram and You Tube.

Shield AI is seeking a highly skilled and disciplined Crew Chief to support the development, testing and maturation of X‑BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. The Crew Chief is responsible for leading ground operations, ensuring aircraft readiness, maintaining configuration and documentation accuracy, and overseeing a team of technicians and operators during high‑tempo test activities.

What you’ll do
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Required qualifications
    • 10+ years 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 qualifications
    • 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.

    $49 - $74 an hour

    Full‑time regular employee offer package:
    Pay within the range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

    Temporary employee offer diy:
    Pay within the rate 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.

    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.

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