Sr. Flight Test Operator

AV; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV in Lawrence, KS seeks a Sr. Flight Test Operator to join the Flight Test & Evaluation team. You will plan, coordinate, execute, and report on developmental flight tests for uncrewed systems used in defense and commercial contexts.

The role involves acting as PIC during flight tests, coordinating with engineers and leadership, and traveling on short notice to support operations. A security clearance and Part 107 may be pursued as needed.

Qualifications

• 5 years of developmental test experience.
• 5 years of RC Helicopter experience.
• Currently hold a private pilot license (PLL).
• Ability to proficiently, safely fly and maintain large RC helicopters.
• Willing to travel as required.
• Willing to receive and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high degree of professionalism including punctuality and culpability.
• Prepare mission test cards and assist in planning the flight missions to meet Engineering requirements.
• Act as a safety pilot of a semi-autonomous remote piloted helicopter by means of a Ground Control Station (GCS) laptop, tablet, and a Radio Control (RC) transmitter.
• Observe and direct crew/team members in their positions and actions to always maintain a safe posture.
• Perform duties as Pilot in Command during flight test operations and manage the responsibilities associated with that position.
• Cross communicates with multiple teams, internal and external to AeroVironment, including Senior Leadership or Customers.
• Travel on short notice to fulfill operational needs if and when those needs arise.
• Maintain all required training and certifications required to perform your job, both internal and external such as FAA certifications.
• Provide training and professional developmental support to coworkers under the guidance of AeroVironment as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Flight Test Experience

RC Helicopter Experience

Private Pilot License

Planning & Coordination

Safety Oversight

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ground Control Station (GCS)

RC Transmitter

Job description

Job Description

The Sr. Flight Test Operator position located in Lawrence, KS, works with the Flight Test & Evaluation (T&E) team to test innovative uncrewed systems for defense and commercial applications.

This position is to be filled with a highly motivated Test Pilot with a passion for developmental flight test in support of delivering uncrewed systems. You will work with program leadership and multi-disciplinary engineers to help solve complex problems. This role will be responsible for assisting with planning, coordination, execution and reporting on all aspects of the flight test program.

Worker Type

Regular

Position Responsibilities

• Maintain a high degree of professionalism including punctuality and culpability.
• Prepare mission test cards and assist in planning the flight missions to meet Engineering requirements.
• Act as a safety pilot of a semi-autonomous remote piloted helicopter by means of a Ground Control Station (GCS) laptop, tablet, and a Radio Control (RC) transmitter.
• Observe and direct crew/team members in their positions and actions to always maintain a safe posture.
• Perform duties as Pilot in Command during flight test operations and manage the responsibilities associated with that position.
• Cross communicates with multiple teams, internal and external to AeroVironment, including Senior Leadership or Customers.
• Travel on short notice to fulfill operational needs if and when those needs arise.
• Maintain all required training and certifications required to perform your job, both internal and external such as FAA certifications.
• Provide training and professional developmental support to coworkers under the guidance of AeroVironment as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of developmental test experience
• 5 years of RC Helicopter experience
• Currently hold a private pilot license (PLL)
• Ability to proficiently, safely fly and maintain large RC helicopters.
• Willing to work on weapons systems.
• Willing to travel as required.
• Willing to receive and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Currently have or can obtain Part 107 Certification to operate small, unmanned aircraft Systems (SUAS).
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field: or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficient with computer use (standard browser, word processing applications).
• Willing to be multi-capable, this shall include some electronics troubleshooting and repair.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a fast paced, challenging work environment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and test environments. (constant)
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods and frequently talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. (frequent)
• Ability to travel and support flight test operations in remote areas

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to travel domestically within the continental United States and internationally, as required.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The Salary Range For This Role Is

$29 - $44

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR

• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.