Flight Test Operations Lead - Drone Programs

JustBacked; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Neros is hiring a Flight Test Operations Lead/Manager to oversee the operations side of flight testing for experimental FPV drones. You will own scheduling, staffing, facilities, and logistics for a team of pilots and technicians, ensuring throughput while reducing workload and stress on flight teams.

You will build and lead the flight test operations team, manage facilities and field equipment, and coordinate multi-week deployments with engineering commitments and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading teams in UAS, film, military, aviation, or similarly complex operations.
• Demonstrated ownership of scheduling and resource allocation across multiple teams.
• Hands on ability to fly drones, or experience managing and directing drone pilots.
• Experience managing physical assets such as work facilities, vehicles, and field infrastructure.
• Willingness to stay overnight at test facilities occasionally during the week.
• Strong written communication and comfort in a fast moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the flight test schedule across concurrent campaigns, balancing pilot, technician, aircraft, and range availability against engineering commitments
• Build and manage the flight test operations team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career progression
• Be responsible for flight test facilities, vehicles, and field equipment. Lead requirements, timeline, and development of future test sites
• Plan multi week testing deployments including travel, logistics, site coordination
• Improve the repeatability, documentation, and throughput of test operations over time

Skills

Team leadership

Scheduling

Flight operations

Drone operations

Written communication

Job description

Neros is hiring a Flight Test Operations Lead/Manager to oversee the operations side of flight testing for experimental FPV drones. You will own scheduling, staffing, facilities, and logistics for a team of pilots and technicians, ensuring throughput while reducing workload and stress on flight teams.

You will build and lead the flight test operations team, manage facilities and field equipment, and coordinate multi-week deployments with engineering commitments and travel as needed.