UAS Flight Test Operator – Autonomy & Field Ops

Shieldai; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI currently seeks an HMS UAS Operations Technician to execute surrogate flight test operations supporting the Hivemind portfolio. You will lead day-to-day flight activities, aircraft prep, system configuration, field operations, and autonomy testing support.

You will act as the primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, ensuring aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and equipment are mission-ready and compliant with procedures, safety, and standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications, and payload integration.
• Experience developing, implementing, and executing SOPs, checklists, and operational processes.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, NAS operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements.
• FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Operate flight test platforms in support of daily fly-fix-fly verification activities.
• Serve as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS platforms during developmental and operational testing.
• Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations.
• Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight maintenance.
• Execute operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements.
• Support development, refinement, and enforcement of SOPs, checklists, and operational best practices.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, NAS procedures, and company flight operations standards.
• Assist in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and risk assessments.

Skills

UAS operations

Autopilot systems

Ground control stations

Payload integration

SOPs & checklists

Flight planning

Communication

Team coordination

FAA Part 107

Security clearance (SECRET)

Tools

QGC

Mission Planner

ArduPilot

PX4

Job description

Shield AI currently seeks an HMS UAS Operations Technician to execute surrogate flight test operations supporting the Hivemind portfolio. You will lead day-to-day flight activities, aircraft prep, system configuration, field operations, and autonomy testing support.

You will act as the primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, ensuring aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and equipment are mission-ready and compliant with procedures, safety, and standards.