UAV Test Pilot

We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-conscious

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Pilot
• to lead developmental flight test operations for next-generation UAS platforms. This position is core to our
• R&D team
• , with a mission-critical focus on rapid prototyping, system validation, and high-risk developmental flights across both fixed-wing and VTOL configurations.

The ideal candidate combines technical flight knowledge with hands-on engineering intuition, and has deep familiarity with

ArduPilot

flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination. You will work alongside engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and insightful flight testing in both controlled and expeditionary environments.

This is not a drone operator roleits a systems-level test pilot position intended for a professional who understands the _why_ behind every airframe maneuver and the _how_ of translating test flights into actionable design improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Test Execution & Safety

Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early-stage development.

Conduct pre-flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.

Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi-autonomous missions, with rapid decision-making authority in-flight.

R&D Collaboration

Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans that validate novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes.

Translate pilot feedback into system updatesparticularly around control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.

Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback loops to avionics and autonomy teams.

Systems Integration

Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of ArduPilot-based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.

Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS (Ground Control Station) operation.

Use companion tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom GCS interfaces.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all operations are compliant with FAA Part 107, COA requirements, or experimental waiver provisions.

Maintain detailed flight logs, incident reports, maintenance records, and engineering change documentation.

Support SOP development for repeatable flight test procedures and team scalability.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.

2+ years of experience supporting

UAS R&D programs

(DOD, academia, commercial prototype environments).

Demonstrated mastery of

ArduPilot

and related GCS software (e.g., Mission Planner, MAVProxy).

In-depth understanding of aircraft dynamics, flight envelopes, and autonomous system behavior.

FAA Part 107 certified (or higher-rated pilot certification).

Proficiency in flight log analysis tools (e.g., Flight Review, DataFlash logs).

Ability to lift 50 lbs, work in remote locations, and travel as needed for test events.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits :

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Location :

Yuma, AZ 85365 (Required)

Security clearance :

Secret (Preferred)

Ability to Commute :

Yuma, AZ 85365 (Required)

Ability to Relocate :

Yuma, AZ 85365 : Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location : In person

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