Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224)

shieldai· Customer Operations
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📍 Wichita Metro AreaFull Time Employee💰 USD 36–55

About this role

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:

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.
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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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) role at shieldai?
The listed salary for this Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) position at shieldai is USD 36–55. This is an Full Time Employee role.
Where is the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) position at shieldai located?
This Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) role at shieldai is based in Wichita Metro Area. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) role at shieldai full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full Time Employee position. It is posted as a Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) role in the Customer Operations department at shieldai.
Which team or department does the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) at shieldai belong to?
This Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) position is part of the Customer Operations department at shieldai. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) position at shieldai?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to shieldai's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) job at shieldai posted?
This Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224) position at shieldai was posted on Oct 10, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Technician IV, Maintenance (R6224)
shieldai · 💰 USD 36–55
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