Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator to support the flying, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation high-speed aerial targets and autonomous flight systems. You will fly a wide range of remotely-piloted vehicles—from high-speed RC jets to low-speed target drones, heavy-lift quadcopters, and custom R&D platforms. This role is hands-on and mission-critical; you will be directly involved in preparing aircraft, executing flight operations, and supporting autopilot tuning and integration efforts (ArduPilot/ArduPlane/ArduCopter).
You will work closely with flight software, GNC, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure safe and reliable flight test execution across multiple development programs.

Responsibilities:

Travel:

• The role will be split between El Segundo and trips to the Mojave desert for testing.

Flight Operations

• Pilot high-performance RC jets, fixed-wing target drones, and multirotor systems during ground and flight testing.
• Execute pre-flight, post-flight, and safety checklists with discipline.
• Maintain positive control of aircraft during nominal flights and during upset or emergency scenarios.
• Provide real-time feedback to engineering teams regarding aircraft behavior, anomalies, or flight envelope limitations.

Aircraft Preparation & Maintenance

• Assist with aircraft assembly, configuration, repair, and rapid turnaround.
• Set up radios, transmitters, telemetry, FPV links, batteries, propulsion systems, and safety systems.
• Ensure airframes and propulsion systems are field-ready and meet test requirements.

Autopilot Development Support

• Support flight software and GNC engineers with ArduPilot-based integrations (ArduPlane, ArduCopter, Mission Planner, QGC, etc.).
• Perform manual flight testing to characterize aircraft dynamics prior to autopilot engagement.
• Assist with tuning PID loops, navigation parameters, launch parameters, and failsafes.
• Help review logs and flight data to identify tuning needs or hardware issues.

Test & Operations Support

• Contribute to test card creation, range coordination, and safe test execution.
• Operate ground control stations, RF links, and telemetry systems during tests.
• Participate in risk reviews, safety briefings, and incident analysis.
• Support field operations including setup, teardown, and transportation of equipment.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years experience flying RC aircraft, drones, or UAS (fixed-wing + multirotor).
• Demonstrated skill flying high-performance or high-speed aircraft (EDF jets, turbine jets, or equivalent).
• Experience with RC transmitters, flight modes, failsafes, and standard radio protocols.
• Ability to diagnose and repair basic airframe, propulsion, and avionics issues under time pressure.
• Familiarity with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar autopilot ecosystems.
• Strong situational awareness and disciplined safety mindset.
• Ability to travel for flight tests and work in outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience flying large/heavy-lift multi-rotors or hybrid VTOL systems.
• Experience tuning ArduPilot, PX4, Betaflight, or other autopilot systems.
• Familiarity with autonomous flight testing and data review (logs, telemetry, onboard captures).
• Experience with high-speed FPV, long-range links, or high-G maneuvering aircraft.
• FAA Part 107 certification.
• Background in aerospace, robotics, or mechanical/electrical engineering.