Drone Test Pilot

Part of JDK Group; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible part-time schedule

Outdoor work

Hands-on with cutting-edge drones

Job summary

JDK Drones is seeking an experienced Drone Test Pilot to support testing and evaluation of our drone systems. The role involves flying heavy-lift drones (>10 lbs MTOW), conducting performance tests, and providing feedback to improve safety and reliability in a safe, controlled environment.

You will push systems to the limit, detect anomalies, and collaborate with engineering to translate findings into improvements. Outdoor work with varied weather and prolonged flight operations is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience flying heavy-lift drones (>10 lbs MTOW).
• Ability to operate outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must pass background screen and be eligible to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Conduct flight tests of prototype and production drone systems.
• Push drones to operational limits while maintaining strict safety standards.
• Detect, document, and report abnormalities or performance issues.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide testing feedback.
• Maintain situational awareness and focus during extended flight operations.
• Safely handle equipment setup, transport, and basic troubleshooting.

Skills

Heavy-lift drone operation

Hardware tinkering

Safety-minded

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Drone Test Pilot to support the testing and evaluation of our newly built drone systems. This role involves flying heavy-lift drones (>10 lbs MTOW), conducting performance tests, identifying potential issues, and providing feedback to improve safety and reliability. You’ll be responsible for pushing our systems to the limit in a safe, controlled environment while maintaining focus and situational awareness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct flight tests of prototype and production drone systems.
• Push drones to operational limits while maintaining strict safety standards.
• Detect, document, and report abnormalities or performance issues.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide testing feedback.
• Maintain situational awareness and focus during extended flight operations.
• Safely handle equipment setup, transport, and basic troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience flying dronesgreater than 10 lbs MTOW(e.g., DJI Inspire 2/3, DJI M350 RTK).
• Passion for aviation and drones; excitement about JDK mission.
• Comfortable working outdoors, including inhot or challenging weather conditions.
• Strong hardware intuition (tinkering with home-built gadgets, model aircraft, or similar).
• Ability to crouch, stoop, lean, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must pass a background screen and be eligible to work in the US.

Why Join Us

• $30 per hour pay rate.
• Flexible part-time schedule (minimum 3 days per week, 5-hour shifts).
• Work with cutting-edge drone technology alongside a passionate, innovative team.