UAS Flight Test Operator (I&II)
DoorDash · Petaluma, CA · 1 wk ago
Engineering$28.4–$41.8/hrFull-time
About the Team
DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics in the long term. If you have a passion for applying autonomous aviation technologies in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you!
About the Role
- Execute structured drone test flights in both manual and autonomous modes, adjusting flight parameters in real time based on evolving test plans and feedback.
- Support daily test readiness by performing pre- and post-flight checks, managing batteries, preparing equipment, and assisting with on-site logistics.
- Operate in field environments with extended periods of standing, repetitive drone handling, and outdoor exposure to varying weather (heat, dust, cold, wind, etc.).
- Stay flexible and responsive to shifting schedules, including early mornings, late afternoons, and variable hours based on test conditions. Open to about 20% travel.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to surface observations, flag anomalies, and support iterative improvement cycles during testing.
Qualifications
- You’re Certified: You hold a Part 107 certification and have logged over 100+ flight hours in varied environments and have experience flying FPV/Acro Mode.
- You Know the Airspace: You understand FAA regulations, operational risk, and best practices for safe and compliant drone flight.
- You’re Tech-Savvy and Curious: You’re excited about testing new drone technology and enjoy solving technical problems in real-time.
- You Think Critically: You bring analytical thinking and attention to detail to identify issues, document results, and iterate on improvements.
- You know Firmware: You've worked with PX4, ArduPilot, Auterion, or Herelink-based systems.
- You’ve Been on the Frontlines: You've contributed to drone development, aerospace, or robotic testing programs.
- You Collaborate Well: You work effectively with cross-functional teams—especially engineers, operators, and leadership to drive progress.
- You have hands on skills: You have the ability to fly different flight modes to help collect data and provide feedback on new drones.
- You Communicate Clearly: You share insights and updates with clarity and purpose, whether it’s writing flight logs, surfacing blockers, or presenting findings.
Pay
Actual compensation within the pay range listed below will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. Base salary is localized according to employee work location.
Benefits
- To learn more about our benefits, visit our careers page here.
Benefits Details
- For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
- For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).
Compensation
The national base pay range for this position within the United States, including Illinois and Colorado.