Autonomous Aircraft Flight Test Operator | Equity Eligible

Booster; California (MO); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Free catered lunch at Alameda office

Equity

Job summary

Pyka is advancing autonomous electric aviation and seeks a Flight Test Operator to test and scale operations of its aircraft and ground infrastructure. You will focus on the continuous operation testing at our California sites, ensuring smooth execution for global customer deployments.

In this multidisciplinary role, clear written and verbal communication is essential as you collaborate with engineering and operations teams.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience flying fixed wing UAVs or large multirotors.
• Experience with ground control and mission planning software.
• 1–5 years of experience with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Basic high voltage safety knowledge and comfortable working on 120 VDC, 20 ~ 30 kW systems.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance, and manuals.
• Independent and motivated, able to self‑direct and manage time.
• Extreme thoroughness and attention to detail.
• 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 flight experience

Ground control software

Mission planning experience

Electrical systems troubleshooting

High voltage safety

Aircraft systems knowledge

Pilot in command

Communication skills

Tools

Ground control software

Mission planning software

Job description

Pyka is advancing autonomous electric aviation and seeks a Flight Test Operator to test and scale operations of its aircraft and ground infrastructure. You will focus on the continuous operation testing at our California sites, ensuring smooth execution for global customer deployments.

In this multidisciplinary role, clear written and verbal communication is essential as you collaborate with engineering and operations teams.