sUAS Pilot

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS medical coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

On-site gym in Huntsville and Denver

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking an experienced sUAS operator to join our new Engineering Center in Huntsville. You will conduct flight operations for PDW sUAS in support of test, evaluation, and development activities, and perform acceptance tests on production aircraft and equipment.

Collaborating with engineers, you will test new features, document results, and demonstrate capabilities to customers while maintaining rigorous safety procedures and risk controls.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating and maintaining sUAS systems.
• Associate’s in engineering, Engineering Technology or related field.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including test plans and assembly instructions.
• Experience supporting flight tests for unmanned aircraft systems or payloads.
• Familiarity with logging tools and issue tracking in an engineering environment.
• FAA Part 107 certification or in process.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct flight operations for PDW sUAS in test, evaluation, and development activities.
• Execute flight acceptance tests for production aircraft and equipment to verify system performance, quality, and readiness.
• Perform regression testing of hardware, software and configuration changes to confirm expected aircraft behavior.
• Support testing of new features, payload integrations, and emerging capabilities through structured flight test events.
• Fly prototype and early-development aircraft to help engineering evaluate new designs, controls, and system behavior.
• Develop deep technical understanding of PDW aircraft, payloads, subsystems, and normal flight characteristics to identify anomalies.
• Document flight results, discrepancies, failures, and observed issues clearly and completely.
• Conduct flight demonstrations for PDW customers.
• Follow all flight safety procedures, range/test site protocols, and operational risk controls.
• Make sound go/no-go and in-flight risk decisions to protect personnel and assets.

Skills

Flight operations

Testing & evaluation

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering/Engineering Technology

Tools

sUAS hardware

Ground control systems

Diagnostics tools

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct flight operations for PDW sUAS in support of test, evaluation, and development activities.
• Execute flight acceptance tests for production aircraft and associated equipment to verify system performance, quality, and readiness.
• Perform regression testing of hardware, software and configuration changes to confirm expected aircraft behavior.
• Support testing of new features, payload integrations, and emerging capabilities through structured flight test events.
• Fly prototype and early-development aircraft to help engineering evaluate new designs, controls, and system behavior.
• Develop deep technical understanding of PDW aircraft, payloads, subsystems, and normal flight characteristics to serve as a system expert to identify system anomalies that may not be immediately apparent during typical operations.
• Document flight results, discrepancies, failures, and observed issues in a clear, complete, and actionable manner.
• Conduct flight demonstrations for PDW customers.
• Strictly follow all flight safety procedures, range/test site protocols, and operational risk controls during ground and flight operations.
• Make sound go/no-go and in-flight risk decisions to protect personnel, equipment, test assets, and company interests.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in operating and maintaining sUAS systems.
• Associate’s in engineering, Engineering Technology or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including, in-depth test plans and assembly instructions.
• Experience supporting flight test, developmental test, or validation activities for new unmanned aircraft systems or payloads.
• Familiarity with logging tools, test documentation systems, issue tracking, or basic troubleshooting workflows in an engineering environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including, in-depth test plans.
• Has or in process of obtaining FAA Part 107 certification.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as remote control systems, ground support equipment, and sUAS hardware. Must be physically capable of conducting field-based flight operations, setting up flight equipment in various terrains, handling and assembling sUAS components, and operating in outdoor conditions for extended periods.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of standard office, lab, and outdoor field environments. This role requires use of standard office equipment and involves regular exposure to drone systems, ground control stations, diagnostic tools, and potentially hazardous materials such as lithium polymer batteries. The position requires frequent travel to flight test sites, customer locations, and supplier facilities. Work may be conducted in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions and non-climate-controlled settings, and may include exposure to noise, dust, and uneven terrain. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the testing environment. This is a fast-paced work environment requiring cross-functional collaboration, self-direction, and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel required based on operational demands.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• Employerprovided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.