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.
