Senior Manager, Range Operations (R4360)

Shield AI•Wichita, KS

26d

About The Position

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 aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AIâs technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. The Senior Manager of Range Operations will be responsible for scouting, securing, and managing flight ranges that support UAS testing, evaluation, and training activities. This individual will also serve as the primary liaison with local communities, neighboring landowners, vendors, and regulatory authorities to ensure safe, compliant, and sustainable use.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Aviation Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
Proven experience in range operations, aviation site management, or UAS flight operations.
Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airspace classifications, and safety requirements for UAS.
Experience working with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and local communities.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills with an emphasis on relationship-building.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to travel frequently and manage multiple range sites simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience managing flight ranges for UAS, manned aircraft, or defense systems.
Familiarity with Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) processes.
Knowledge of environmental impact assessments and land-use agreements.
Existing relationships with FAA or military airspace managers.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and procure new flight range opportunities for UAS operations.
Manage existing range assets, including scheduling, safety, and operational oversight.
Oversee vendor contracts, facility agreements, and service support for range operations.
Build and maintain positive relationships with surrounding communities, landowners, and partner organizations.
Serve as the point of contact for neighbors, local governments, and community leaders regarding UAS activities.
Manage outreach initiatives to build transparency and trust with stakeholders.
Coordinate with regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with airspace and safety regulations.
Maintain detailed records of range usage, regulatory approvals, and compliance documentation.
Assist in preparing applications for waivers, certificates of authorization (COAs), and other flight approvals.
Coordinate with internal teams for scheduling, deconfliction, and mission planning.
Support training programs and demonstrations requiring range access.