Autonomous Aircraft Flight Test Operator

Socket.dev; Vacaville (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, dental and vision insurance

FSA with employer matching

401(k)

Paid time off

Company holidays

Parental leave

Free catered lunch

Snacks at Alameda office

Job summary

Pyka is seeking a Flight Test Operator to test and scale the operations of its autonomous aircraft. You will test new hardware and software features to ensure the success of Pyka’s customer operations globally, focusing on continuous operation at local California test sites and potential international deployments.

This multidisciplinary role requires strong communication with engineering and operations teams, with work spanning aircraft and ground infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience flying fixed wing UAVs / model aircraft or large multirotors.
• Experience with ground control and mission planning software.
• 1–5 years of experience working with and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.
• Basic high voltage safety knowledge.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance, and manuals.
• Independent and motivated, able to self-direct and manage time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Located in Solano or Contra Costa County.
• Part 61 pilot certificate.

Responsibilities

• Execute continuous operations at Pyka’s test sites by identifying and troubleshooting issues, with the remote help of Pyka’s engineering teams.
• Conduct reliability test campaigns with Pyka’s autonomous aircraft and ground support infrastructure.
• Provide detailed technical feedback to operations and engineering teams to improve Pyka’s product for customer deployment.
• Fly and test new hardware and software features.
• Conduct diverse fleet site maintenance activities, involving the aircraft itself and ground infrastructure.
• Serve as Pilot In Command or Ground Control Operator of experimental / developmental unmanned aircraft.
• Option to deploy customer test sites to support Agricultural and Cargo Operations.

Skills

UAV piloting

Ground control software

Systems troubleshooting

High voltage safety

Aircraft knowledge

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Solano/Contra Costa familiarity

Part 61 certificate

Job description

Pyka is seeking a Flight Test Operator to test and scale the operations of its autonomous aircraft. You will test new hardware and software features to ensure the success of Pyka’s customer operations globally, focusing on continuous operation at local California test sites and potential international deployments.

This multidisciplinary role requires strong communication with engineering and operations teams, with work spanning aircraft and ground infrastructure.