Staff Technician, Unmanned Systems Test Operator

What you'll do

• Operate flight test platforms in support of daily fly-fix-fly verification activities
• Serve as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS platforms during developmental and operational testing
• Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations
• Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight maintenance activities
• Execute operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with established safety and operational requirements
• Support development, refinement, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational best practices
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, airspace requirements, range procedures, and company flight operations standards
• Assist in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and operational risk assessments

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments
• Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration
• Experience developing, implementing, and executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational processes
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, National Airspace System (NAS) operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements
• Experience conducting flight operations in dynamic and complex test environments
• Strong organizational, communication, and mission planning skills
• Ability to coordinate effectively with software, systems, safety, and flight operations personnel
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting autonomy, AI-enabled systems, or developmental flight test programs, particularly with multi-aircraft or distributed UAS operations
• Fabrication experience with design, build of mechanical and electrical systems
• Familiarity with standard control and autopilot elements such as QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, Px4
• Military UAS operations or test experience