Deployment Strategist, Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Shift5

Deployment Strategist for Shift5 engaging with RPA customers to drive mission success. Building strategic relationships and expanding Shift5’s capabilities across unmanned systems environments.

Posted 5/29/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $150,000 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityRPATypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build, maintain, and expand relationships with RPA operators, program offices, maintainers, cybersecurity personnel, mission planners, and senior leadership stakeholders.
Serve as a trusted advisor to customers by understanding mission requirements, operational pain points, and platform-level priorities across unmanned systems environments.
Identify and document new use cases, operational challenges, and opportunities where Shift5 capabilities can deliver measurable value.
Engage directly with operational personas to gather mission insights, customer feedback, and product enhancement opportunities.
Partner closely with Sales/Account Executives, Field Engineering, Product, and Program Management teams to ensure successful deployments and long-term customer adoption.
Drive customer-facing demonstrations and support operational engagements showcasing Shift5 platform capabilities within RPA environments.
Serve as a primary feedback conduit between customers and internal teams, communicating customer successes, mission requirements, and product feedback.
Support rapid issue resolution and operational problem solving in fast-paced mission environments.
Contribute directly to growing Shift5’s footprint across RPA programs by identifying and supporting expansion opportunities.
Travel domestically up to 40–50% in support of deployments, demonstrations, customer engagements, testing events, and operational activities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS/RPA), aviation, defense, military, or operational technology environments.
Strong customer engagement, stakeholder management, and operational problem-solving skills.
Deep understanding of RPA mission operations, operational environments, or sustainment ecosystems.
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including operators, engineers, maintainers, and senior leadership.
Demonstrated strategic thinking, proactive ownership, and customer-focused mindset.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aviation, Business, or related field, or equivalent operational experience.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.
Prior military aviation, unmanned systems, or direct experience supporting DoD RPA programs strongly preferred.
Experience supporting deployments, demonstrations, mission operations, operational testing, or operational technology environments preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance
Uncapped paid time off policy
Flexible work & remote work policy
Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

unmanned aerial systemsRPAoperational technologymission operationsoperational testingcustomer engagementstakeholder managementproblem solvingstrategic thinkingcustomer-focused mindset

Soft Skills

communicationproactive ownershiprelationship buildingfeedback communicationcollaborationcustomer advocacyinsight gatheringdemonstration skillsissue resolutionadaptability

Certifications

U.S. TS/SCI security clearance