Mission Operator

Success Matcher Recruitment; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Success Matcher Recruitment is assisting a client in the defense technology sector in Paso Robles, CA to hire a Mission Operator for on-site testing and deployment of UGVs and autonomous systems.

The role requires hands-on field operation, field engineering, and logistics management in rugged environments, with 2–6 years of military or defense field ops experience.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of experience in military field operations or defense field ops with hands-on exposure.
• Combat arms MOS (11B, 18-series, 13F, or equivalent) with infantry/SF/Rangers experience is preferred.
• Experience operating or sustaining UGVs/UAVs or robotics in the field (not just in a lab).
• Some exposure to engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) via coursework or a degree, with strong mechanical intuition.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and operate field testing of complex UGVs, UAVs, and autonomous robotic systems in rugged environments.
• Perform real-time mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, component swaps, and basic field repairs independently.
• Independently manage field logistics, range controls, and base access protocols.
• Translate field performance data and operational challenges into actionable technical requirements with engineering teams.

Skills

Field operations

Troubleshooting

Robotics operations

Military experience

Education

Engineering background (Mechanical or Electrical)

Tools

UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles)

UAVs / Drones

Robotics hardware

Job description

Our client, an innovative leader in the defense technology sector, is seeking a high-performing Mission Operator to join their test facility in Paso Robles, CA. This is a fully on-site, hands-on role designed for an operational expert who thrives at the intersection of tactical military experience and cutting-edge autonomous technology.

If you have a background in combat operations, a passion for unmanned systems, and the mechanical grit to troubleshoot hardware in the dirt, this is your next mission.

What You Will Do

Deploy & Operate: Lead the field operation, testing, and deployment of complex Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), UAVs, and autonomous robotic systems in rugged test environments.

Field Engineering & Troubleshooting: Act as the first line of defense for hardware failures. Perform real-time mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, component swaps, and basic field repairs independently.

Logistics & Navigation: Independently manage field logistics, coordinate range controls, and navigate complex defense operations and base access protocols.

Feedback Loop: Partner closely with engineering teams, translating field performance data and operational challenges into actionable technical requirements.

What We Are Looking For

Experience: 2-6 years of experience in military field operations (combat arms preferred) or defense field operations with extensive hands-on operational exposure.

Military Background: Combat arms MOS (11B, 18-series, 13F, or equivalent) with infantry, Special Forces, or Rangers experience is strongly preferred.

Technical Familiarity: Proven track record operating or sustaining UGVs, UAVs, drones, or complex robotics in the field (not just in a lab setting).

Education & Grit: Some exposure to engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) via coursework or a degree, combined with a strong mechanical intuition (e.g., the ability to change tires, swap parts, and fix machinery on the fly).

Industry Bonus: Prior experience working within a fast-paced defense tech startup environment is a significant plus.