Autonomous Drone Flight Test Operator — FAA-Certified

NGV Talent; Bay Point (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Wellness reimbursement programs

Commuter benefits

Paid time off and paid sick leave

Disability and life insurance

Mental health and employee assistance

Additional company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

NGV Talent is seeking a UAS Flight Test Operator to support testing, validation and development of autonomous drone systems. You will execute test flights, collect data, and assist engineering teams in a fast-paced setting.

Ideal candidates are FAA-certified pilots with hands-on testing experience, capable of outdoor operations and documentation, and willing to travel up to 20% across field locations in the United States.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 certification is required.
• 100+ logged drone flight hours in varied environments.
• Experience with FPV and/or Acro Mode.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations and safe flight operations.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.
• Flexibility to work testing-driven schedules.

Responsibilities

• Execute structured drone test flights in manual and autonomous modes.
• Adjust flight parameters based on test plans and feedback.
• Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections and readiness checks.
• Manage batteries, charging equipment, and flight support hardware.
• Support flight testing, troubleshooting, and data collection.
• Collaborate with engineering to improve system performance.
• Document flight observations, anomalies, and test results.
• Assist with field logistics and test site setup.
• Operate safely in outdoor environments and varying weather.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of autonomous drone systems.

Skills

Drone flight ops

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Education

FAA Part 107 Certification

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Auterion

Herelink

Job description

NGV Talent is seeking a UAS Flight Test Operator to support testing, validation and development of autonomous drone systems. You will execute test flights, collect data, and assist engineering teams in a fast-paced setting.

Ideal candidates are FAA-certified pilots with hands-on testing experience, capable of outdoor operations and documentation, and willing to travel up to 20% across field locations in the United States.