UAS Flight Test Operator

Homerun B.V.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Job summary

Vermeer is seeking a UAS Flight Test Operator to join our Brooklyn, NY team. You will fly, maintain, and test GPS‑denied navigation systems across multiple UAS platforms, reporting test results to engineering.

Ideal candidates have strong hands‑on experience with small tools, electronics, and payload integration, plus experience with PX4/ArduPilot, Q Ground Control, and Mission Planner. We offer a full‑time, on‑site role with a relocation stipend.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, Aviation or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• US Citizenship and FAA Part 107 Certification.
• Experience flying Group 2+ fixed‑wing and VTOL UAS; ground control software proficiency.
• Ability to interpret technical docs and integrate payloads; hands‑on tools and electronics skills.

Responsibilities

• Fly, maintain, develop, and test navigation systems across multiple UAS platforms.
• Plan, execute, and report on test activities; coordinate with engineering.
• Adapt to new requirements and manage flight operations across projects.

Skills

Drone operation

Troubleshooting

Electronics basics

Technical documentation interpretation

Education

BS in Engineering or related field

Tools

Q Ground Control

Mission Planner

PX4 / ArduPilot

Job description

At Vermeer we're looking for a UAS Flight Test Operator to join our team.

Do you want to join our team as our new UAS Flight Test Operator? Then we'd love to hear about you!

Job Description

Vermeer is looking for a UAS Flight Test Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be an essential part of the validation process for our next gen of GPS-denied navigation. Your responsibilities will include flying, maintaining, developing, and testing alternative navigation products on multiple UAS platforms.

Drone operations will consistent primarily of Group 1-3 fixed wing UAS. Collaboration with our engineering team will be crucial as you plan, execute, and report on test activities. Success in this role hinges on your ability to adapt to new requirements and manage flight operations across multiple projects.

While a BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, Aviation, or a related field is preferred, we will consider equivalent professional experience. Please note that non-technical or hobbyist experience limited to DJI or equivalent Group 1 UAS is not sufficient for this role. The ability to interpret technical documentation and integrate payloads onto aircraft is essential, as is hands‑on experience with small power tools, lab test equipment, soldering, and custom wiring harnesses. Familiarity with basic electronics and troubleshooting (multimeter, oscilloscope etc) is a huge plus.

This is a full-time, in-person position out of our Brooklyn, NY office. A relocation stipend will be offered.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• FAA Part 107 Certification
• Significant experience flying Group 2 or larger fixed‑wing and VTOL UAS.
• Significant experience working with ground control software including Q Ground Control and Mission Planner (3+ yrs)
• Significant experience with PX4 / Ardupilot autopilot systems and MAVLINK (3+ yrs)
• Basic understanding of drone electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Technology background with troubleshooting skills and analytical research capabilities.
• Ability to research and interpret technical documentation.
• Must possess a driver's license and be willing to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Military training as an Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) or Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Experience building custom drones or integrating drone components including custom payloads, cameras, sensing systems, hardware, electronics, wiring, GPS systems, autopilots, firmware, and software.
• Background in software or computer science.
• Proficiency in operating Linux, Ubuntu, Windows, and/or terminal commands.
• Ability to make independent decisions, troubleshoot, and repair electrical faults.