Crew Chief

Mach-Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, CA, seeks a senior UAS field operations expert to own fleet readiness, field testing, and operation procedures. You will manage live demonstrations, plan missions, and coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and logistics to ensure safe, compliant execution in domestic and international settings.

This role requires 5+ years in autonomous systems field operations, experience with ArduPilot/PX4 and QGroundControl, and the ability to travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of autonomous systems field operations experience.
• Proficient in QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
• Experience with Ardupilot or PX4.
• In-field troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in international field operations and logistics for vehicles.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically.

Responsibilities

• Own fleet readiness and maintenance systems, ensuring all UAS meet flight and operational standards.
• Lead maintenance execution, troubleshooting, and repair workflows to sustain system reliability.
• Maintain strict configuration control across all vehicle hardware/software revisions and documentation.
• Oversee post-manufacturing inspection and flight acceptance, validating airworthiness and deployment readiness.
• Serve as the primary interface between operations, engineering, and manufacturing to drive issue resolution and improvements.
• Manage technical documentation and records, including maintenance logs, SOPs, and configuration tracking.
• Lead and develop field drone technicians, ensuring standardized execution and accountability.
• Support and oversee domestic and international field operations, ensuring mission and logistics readiness.
• Track and report fleet performance and reliability trends to inform continuous improvement.

Skills

Autonomous systems

UAS field ops

Mission planning

Field operations leadership

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Job description

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next‑generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting‑edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach conducts tests and demonstrations with UAS platforms in various stages of development. This position will specialize in field testing and operating UAS. Responsibilities will include assisting with field exercise plans, test and operations procedures, field operations execution, and pre- and post-operations reviews. Operations are conducted domestically and internationally. This role serves as the primary subject‑matter expert for assigned UAS platforms, owning vehicle‑level readiness, integration state, and safe execution in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Own fleet readiness and maintenance systems, ensuring all UAS meet flight and operational standards

Lead maintenance execution, troubleshooting, and repair workflows to sustain system reliability

Maintain strict configuration control across all vehicle hardware/software revisions and documentation

Oversee post‑manufacturing inspection and flight acceptance, validating airworthiness and deployment readiness

Serve as the primary interface between operations, engineering, and manufacturing to drive issue resolution and improvements

Manage technical documentation and records, including maintenance logs, SOPs, and configuration tracking

Lead and develop field drone technicians, ensuring standardized execution and accountability

Support and oversee domestic and international field operations, ensuring mission and logistics readiness

Track and report fleet performance and reliability trends to inform continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 5+ years of experience with autonomous systems field operations and capability to track high volume of vehicles

Experience with mission planning software (QGroundControl or Mission Planner)

Experience with Ardupilot or PX4

Experience with in‑field operational troubleshooting

Experience in international field operations and logistics for vehicles

Ability to travel internationally and domestically

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading or supervising UAS field operations teams, including tasking, accountability, and performance management

Background in aircraft maintenance, aviation systems, or military/defense operations, with a strong understanding of airworthiness and operational standards

Experience with data analysis, reliability tracking, or failure trend identification to inform maintenance and design decisions

Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments, with a bias toward ownership and continuous improvement

Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national,