UAS Flight Test Operator

About the role

The UAS Flight Test Operator applies hands-on field experience to support ground and flight testing of hydrogen-powered drones. This position focuses on test execution rather than engineering ownership of test planning, analysis, or design changes. Under the direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Engineers, and designated test leads, the UAS Flight Test Operator executes approved test cards, procedures, checklists, and flight profiles.

Responsibilities

• Execute approved flight test cards, ground test procedures, checklists, and flight profiles for Group 2+ UAS under the direction of Flight Test Engineers or designated test leads.
• Operate Air Vehicles, Ground Control Stations, Ground Support Equipment, payloads, radios, and associated test equipment during flight and ground test events.
• Prepare test articles and supporting equipment for test execution.
• Verify system configuration against approved test baselines prior to ground or flight testing.
• Record accurate operator observations, timestamps, discrepancies, logbook entries, configuration changes, and maintenance actions.
• Support test reporting by providing operator notes, flight logs, configuration records, and factual observations.
• Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers, engineering leads, and internal stakeholders to support safe and repeatable test execution.
• Support installation, checkout, and troubleshooting of approved payload, radio, harness, and electromechanical integrations under engineering direction.
• Provide operator feedback on usability, maintainability, field readiness, and operational constraints to support development of sustainment-ready military UAS.

Qualifications & Experience

• This position may require access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).
• Technical degree, military UAS training, flight test operator experience, or equivalent field experience preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of military or commercial UAS experience.
• Experience supporting UAS developmental flight testing.
• Experience maintaining logbooks, maintenance records, configuration records, and discrepancy documentation in a controlled operational or test environment.
• Experience with payloads, radios, GCS software, and autopilot ecosystems such as Trillium, Persistent Systems, Silvus, Vigilant Spirit, Applied Navigation/Quattro, QGroundControl, Embention, Micropilot, or Mission Planner.
• Ability to execute approved test cards, checklists, and flight profiles while remaining within defined test parameters.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a cross-functional flight test environment.
• Strong discipline in pre-flight, post-flight, configuration control, and anomaly documentation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain complex systems and perform preventative maintenance.
• Commitment to safe operations and continuous improvement of personnel and equipment safety.
• Professional, collaborative, and effective in conflict resolution.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods during flight and ground test operations.
• Ability to travel by automobile up to approximately two hours each way to test sites.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and position UAS components, batteries, payloads, radios, Ground Control Station equipment, tools, and support equipment (often 25–50 lbs, occasionally more with assistance).
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders or steps, and work in confined or awkward positions while assembling, inspecting, or maintaining equipment.
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks such as connecting wiring harnesses, operating test equipment, conducting inspections, and handling small mechanical or electrical components.
• Ability to maintain visual awareness of aircraft operations and monitor flight activity at varying distances.
• Ability to distinguish colors, indicators, warning lights, and system displays.
• Ability to operate computers, control stations, handheld controllers, radios, and test instrumentation for extended periods.
• Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment, rotating propellers, electrical systems, fuel systems, and ground support equipment while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to safely access remote test locations and uneven terrain.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other safety gear as required.
• Ability to respond quickly during flight test operations and emergency procedures.

Benefits Overview

Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.