Flight Test Operator - Data Collection Fixed Term

Socket.dev; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a Data Collection Flight Test Operator in San Mateo, CA to perform flight testing for autonomy and AI data. This field role requires extensive travel across the U.S. and focus on collecting high-quality sensor and telemetry data.

You’ll execute scripted and exploratory flights, maintain logs, and collaborate with engineering teams to align on data needs, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance throughout campaigns.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.
• 100+ hours of real-world small UAS operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication; safety-focused.
• Ability to follow structured test procedures in the field.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate Skydio aircraft across diverse environments.
• Execute structured flight test plans and exploratory flights.
• Collect, label, and manage large sensor/imagery/telemetry data.
• Maintain flight logs and documentation per FAA rules.
• Report anomalies and incidents with environmental/operational context.
• Collaborate with engineering and autonomy teams on data needs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot aircraft and ground equipment.

Skills

FAA Part 107

Flight testing

Data collection

Documentation

Driving license

Field safety

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

About the Role:

Skydio is looking for a Data Collection Flight Test Operator to join our data collection and flight testing team. In this role you'll fly Skydio aircraft across a wide range of environments and scenarios, gathering the data that trains and validates our autonomy and AI systems.

This is a field role, and the travel is real: expect to be on the road roughly [95]% of the time, at test ranges, customer sites, and unimproved field environments across the United States. You'll execute structured flight missions, capture sensor and telemetry data, and feed findings directly back to the engineering teams building the product.

If you want to spend most of your time flying in the real world rather than at a desk, this is that job.

Location: San Mateo, CA (U.S.) — approximately 90% travel

Employment Type: Fixed Term - 12 months

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Safely operate Skydio aircraft across diverse environments - urban, rural, industrial, forested, and degraded-visual conditions - to collect data for product development and validation.

• Execute structured flight test plans, including repeatable scripted scenarios and exploratory flights.

• Collect, label, and manage high volumes of sensor, imagery, and telemetry data, following established data handling and chain-of-custody procedures.

• Maintain accurate flight logs and documentation in compliance with FAA regulations and Skydio's safety procedures.

• Report anomalies, near-misses, and incidents promptly and thoroughly, including clear detail on environmental and operational factors.

• Partner with engineering and autonomy teams to align on data needs, test objectives, and operational constraints.

• Maintain and troubleshoot aircraft, attachments, and ground equipment; keep kit ready for upcoming campaigns.

Required Qualifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.

• 100+ hours / 1+ years of experience operating small unmanned aircraft in real-world operational environments.

• Strong situational awareness and a demonstrated commitment to safe flight practices.

• Ability to follow structured test procedures precisely while adapting to changing field conditions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the discipline to document thoroughly in the field.

• Valid U.S. driver's license and a driving record acceptable under Skydio's insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in aviation, robotics, or field data collection.

• Experience with UAS flight testing, flight log analysis, or technical data capture.

• Experience operating under Part 107 waivers (BVLOS, night, or operations over people).

• Familiarity with Skydio platforms or other advanced autonomous aircraft.

• Comfort troubleshooting hardware and software issues independently in the field, without on-site engineering support.

• GIS or 3D photogrammetry experience

Conditions of Employment/Physical Requirements:

• Travel approximately up to 90% of the time to test sites, ranges, and field environments across the U.S.

• Frequent early mornings, extended field days, and occasional weekend work driven by weather windows and site availability.

• Successful completion of a background check

• Ability to lift and carry equipment cases weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.

• Ability to stand, walk, and traverse uneven terrain at field sites for extended periods.

Compensation: This is a fixed term, full-time position with a limited duration as outlined in the job description. The hourly wage range for this position is $50-$60 per hour. Compensation will vary based based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, geographic location and experience. Fixed Term, full-time employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s group health insurance plans after fulfilling tenure and waiting period requirements, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans. Fixed-term, full-time employees are also eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, statutory holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/