Flight Test Operator

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute UAS missions, including those within challenging VLOS and BVLOS scenarios, ensuring full compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Act as Safety Pilot, conducting manual flight operations with fixed wing and FW VTOL UAS in challenging and complex multi-UAS operations.
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and diagnostics on UAS platforms and associated ground control systems.
• Operate and troubleshoot various UAS systems, demonstrating advanced proficiency with Pixhawk and Cube Orange Flight Controllers, including configuration, firmware and parameter management, and mission planning using relevant ground control station software.
• Develop and implement mission-specific risk assessments, meticulously applying Department of Defense Standard Practice System Safety (MIL-STD-882E) principles to ensure the safe and compliant execution of operations.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive flight logs, technical records, incident reports, and other required documentation in accordance with regulatory and company procedures.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, flight test, and project teams to provide feedback on UAS performance, identify areas for improvement, and integrate new technologies and operational procedures.
• Ensure strict adherence to all FAA regulations for UAS operations, particularly within the FAA Part 107 framework.
• Provide technical support and potentially undertake basic field maintenance or fault rectification on UAS platforms, ensuring operational readiness.
• Actively contribute to the development of safe systems of work for UAS operations, promoting a robust safety culture and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and potentially train less experienced operators, fostering a high standard of operational excellence and safety awareness.

Requirements

• Hold a valid Part 61 and Part 107 pilot license.
• Significant experience of manual UAS or RC aircraft operations on FW and FW VTOL airframes.
• Demonstrable and significant experience in planning and executing UAS operations.
• Thorough understanding and practical application of FAA Part 107 operations, including the development of Operational Safety Cases and the process for obtaining operational authorizations.
• Expert-level technical proficiency with Pixhawk and Cube Orange Flight Controllers, including hands-on experience in their integration, setup, configuration, advanced troubleshooting, and operation.
• An understanding of aviation paperwork and a meticulous approach to documentation and record-keeping.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, and travel extensively to support field operations (potentially greater than 50% of the time).
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

Prior Experience

• Instrument and Commercial Rating.
• 5+ years of developmental test experience.
• 5+ years RC flying experience.
• Experience with Fixed Wing VTOL UAS Operations and with multiple-air vehicle operations.
• 5 years’ experience as Manual Safety Pilot for FW/MR UAS.
• Strong understanding of rotary and fixed wing UAS aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and system architectures.
• Experience with other UAS flight controllers, ground control stations, or payloads (e.g., LiDAR, advanced EO/IR sensors).
• Background in aviation maintenance, electronics, or robotics.
• Experience operating UAS in challenging environments (e.g., maritime, mountainous, urban).
• Technical qualification (e.g., HNC/HND, apprenticeship) in electronics, avionics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees).
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees.