Staff Technical Writer, X-BAT (R4997)

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 an experienced X-BAT Technical Writer / Editor to support the development, integration, and operational lifecycle of next-generation autonomous aircraft systems. This role is embedded within engineering and flight test environments and is responsible for translating highly complex aerospace, avionics, and autonomy systems into precise, usable technical documentation.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience working alongside engineers and subject matter experts to produce clear, structured documentation across all program phases, from early design and system development through initial flight testing and sustained mission operations. This position will directly support X-BAT platform documentation, including operator manuals, maintenance procedures, system descriptions, and mission support materials.

What you'll do

Partner closely with aerospace, software, and systems engineers to develop accurate, high-fidelity technical documentation for advanced aircraft systems

Manage multiple documentation efforts across development, flight test, and operational phases in a fast-paced, iterative environment

Translate complex engineering concepts, including avionics, autonomy, and mission systems, into clear, structured guidance for operators, maintainers, and internal teams

Review and edit technical content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to program standards

Research and interpret engineering artifacts such as system architectures, design specifications, interface control documents, software descriptions, and test procedures

Aggregate and synthesize technical inputs from cross-functional teams, including flight test, hardware, software, and operations

Develop and maintain technical manuals, including aircraft operating procedures, maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, training materials, and mission documentation

Ensure documentation aligns with evolving system configurations and reflects real-world operational use cases

Create and manage supporting visuals such as system diagrams, workflows, illustrations, and annotated graphics

Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or missing technical information and proactively drive resolution with engineering teams

Maintain documentation standards, templates, and version control across a growing body of technical publications

Support rapid updates to documentation based on flight test results, system changes, and operational feedback

Fulfill additional responsibilities as required in support of X-BAT program objectives

Required qualifications

5–10 years of technical writing/editing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or complex engineering systems

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing, Engineering, English, or a related field

Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining technical manuals for aircraft systems, complex hardware/software platforms, or similar domains

Proven ability to work directly with engineers and subject matter experts to extract and document technical information

Strong understanding of structured documentation practices and lifecycle documentation management

Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills with a focus on clarity and precision

Ability to distill complex system behavior into concise, user-focused documentation

High attention to detail and consistency across large documentation sets

Self-sufficient, proactive work style with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight timelines

Ability to identify missing, ambiguous, or conflicting technical information

Comfortable working across distributed teams and time zones

Interest in working in a fast-moving, non-traditional defense and aerospace environment

Preferred qualifications

Experience with advanced aircraft systems, UAVs, autonomy, avionics, or mission systems documentation

Familiarity with DoD technical manual standards and specifications (e.g., MIL-STD, S1000D, or service-specific formats)

Experience using MadCap Flare or similar structured authoring tools

Background in flight test documentation or operational procedure development

Defense industry or aerospace program experience

Master’s degree in English, Technical Communication, or a related discipline

Project management experience supporting complex technical programs

Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools to enhance documentation workflows