Staff Technician, Unmanned Systems Test Operator
71k – 106kSan Diego, CAOnsite5+ YOE
Summary
Primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, conducting flight operations, aircraft preparation, system configuration, and support for autonomy testing. Requires 5+ years UAS experience and FAA Part 107 certification.
About the role
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
Skills
UAS operationsGroup 1/2 UAS platformsCOTS UAS hardwareautopilot systemsground control stationsFAA Part 107QGCMission PlannerArdupilotPx4
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