BVLOS UAV Flight Test & Operations Lead

Flagship Pioneering; Boulder, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagship Pioneering in Boulder, CO is seeking a Senior UAS Flight Test & Operations Engineer to lead BVLOS flight planning, waiver strategy, and field-test execution for a fixed-wing UAV program.

You will coordinate regulatory compliance (FAA Part 107, COA, international), develop SOPs, and serve as PIC during tests, shaping safe operations across demanding environments while collaborating with a small, highly technical team.

Qualifications

• BA/BS + 5 years UAV flight ops experience or MS + 3 years with at least 2 years hands-on UAV flight operations
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required; BVLOS waivers/COA experience preferred
• Experience with fixed-wing UAVs and real-mission field operations
• Proficiency with mission scripting, failsafe config, and GCS software

Responsibilities

• Lead BVLOS operations planning and flight test execution, including waiver compliance, pre-flight risk assessment, and real-time mission monitoring
• Lead flight testing of a custom fixed-wing airframe from first flight through design validation with the engineering team
• Own the FAA Part 107 waiver strategy, COA applications, and international UAS regulatory compliance across operating environments
• Develop and maintain SOPs, checklists, and emergency response protocols for field campaigns
• Serve as PIC and/or flight test director for fixed-wing UAV missions
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to improve mission reliability and safety margins
• Coordinate with meteorological resources and atmospheric sensing data for go/no-go decisions
• Collaborate with science/field teams to validate mission profiles and data quality
• Manage ground control station operations and spectrum compliance during live missions
• Document flight operations, incidents, and lessons learned for regulatory review

Skills

BVLOS waivers

ArduPilot

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

FAA Part 107

Flight test operations

Regulatory compliance

Field operations

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in aerospace/aviation/atmospheric science

Tools

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Job description

Flagship Pioneering in Boulder, CO is seeking a Senior UAS Flight Test & Operations Engineer to lead BVLOS flight planning, waiver strategy, and field-test execution for a fixed-wing UAV program.

You will coordinate regulatory compliance (FAA Part 107, COA, international), develop SOPs, and serve as PIC during tests, shaping safe operations across demanding environments while collaborating with a small, highly technical team.