Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator (R5413)

What you'll do

• Operate UAS platforms and execute flight test activities, mission plans, and operational test procedures.
• Prepare, configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilots, and ground control stations.
• Coordinate flight readiness, airspace, launch and recovery, safety, and post-flight activities.

What they ask for

• 5+ years operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments.
• Knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilots, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration.
• Experience developing and executing SOPs, checklists, and operational processes; working knowledge of FAA regulations, NAS operations, and flight authorization.
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience; ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Nice to have

• Experience with autonomy, AI-enabled systems, developmental flight testing, or multi-aircraft/distributed UAS operations.
• Fabrication experience or familiarity with QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, or Px4; military UAS operations or test experience.

Pay

USD 28–42 (per-hour-wage) (base wage)

Tools

COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, Px4

AI focus

Supports integration, validation, and operational assessment of autonomy capabilities; preferred experience includes autonomy and AI-enabled systems.