UAS Flight Test Operator New Bingen, Washington

Hevendrones Ltd.; Bingen (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Heven AeroTech in Bingen, Washington is looking for a UAS Flight Test Operator to support flight testing of hydrogen-powered drones. Responsibilities include operating air vehicles, monitoring system status, and documenting observations.

The ideal candidate will have a technical background, at least 4 years of UAS experience, and strong troubleshooting skills. A competitive benefits package is offered including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a salary range of $40,000 – $52,000.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence required.
• Minimum of 4 years of military or commercial UAS experience.
• Experience with payloads, radios, and autopilot ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Execute approved flight test cards and procedures.
• Operate air vehicles and ground control stations during tests.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of flight operations.

Skills

UAS operation

Troubleshooting skills

Teamwork skills

Communication skills

Education

Technical degree or military UAS training

Tools

GCS software

Trillium

Mission Planner

Job description

Title: UAS Flight Test Operator

Company: Heven AeroTech

Location: Bingen, Washington

FLSA: Non-Exempt

About Our Company

At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we build our success on people. We are a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, creating a workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is second nature. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

Role Summary

The UAS Flight Test Operator supports ground and flight testing of hydrogen-powered hybrid VTOL and multirotor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Under the direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer and other test leads, the operator executes approved test cards, procedures, checklists, and flight profiles. Responsibilities include operating air vehicles and ground systems, preparing test articles, monitoring system status, documenting observations, and ensuring accurate maintenance, configuration, and flight records.

Responsibilities

• Execute approved flight test cards, ground test procedures, checklists, and flight profiles for Group 2+ UAS.
• Operate Air Vehicles, Ground Control Stations, Ground Support Equipment, payloads, radios, and associated test equipment during flight and ground test events.
• Prepare test articles and supporting equipment for test execution.
• Verify system configuration against approved test baselines prior to ground or flight testing.
• Record accurate operator observations, timestamps, discrepancies, logbook entries, configuration changes, and maintenance actions.
• Support test reporting by providing operator notes, flight logs, configuration records, and factual observations.
• Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers, engineering leads, and internal stakeholders to support safe and repeatable test execution.
• Support installation, checkout, and troubleshooting of approved payload, radio, harness, and electromechanical integrations under engineering direction.
• Provide operator feedback on usability, maintainability, field readiness, and operational constraints to support development of sustainment-ready military UAS.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).
• Technical degree, military UAS training, flight test operator experience, or equivalent field experience preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of military or commercial UAS experience.
• Experience maintaining logbooks, maintenance records, configuration records, and discrepancy documentation in a controlled operational or test environment.
• Experience with payloads, radios, GCS software, and autopilot ecosystems such as Trillium, Persistent Systems, Silvus, Vigilant Spirit, Applied Navigation/Quattro, QGroundControl, Embention, Micropilot, or Mission Planner.
• Ability to execute approved test cards, checklists, and flight profiles while remaining within defined test parameters.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a cross-functional flight test environment.
• Strong discipline in pre‑flight, post‑flight, configuration control, and anomaly documentation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain complex systems and perform preventative maintenance.
• Commitment to safe operations and continuous improvement of personnel and equipment safety.
• Professional, collaborative, and effective in conflict resolution.

Preferred:

• Experience operating military fixed‑wing VTOL, multirotor, and Group 2+ UAS in operational environments.
• Experience supporting developmental flight testing, ground testing, iron bird testing, or controlled system checkout activities.
• Experience with SOCOM Modular Payload standards.
• Experience with multiple GCS software platforms, including QGroundControl, Embention, Micropilot, and Mission Planner.
• Ability to inspect, install, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on payload and radio integration harnesses under engineering direction.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Physical Requirements

• Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods during flight and ground test operations.
• Travel by automobile up to approximately two hours each way to test sites.
• Lift, carry, move, and position UAS components, batteries, payloads, radios, Ground Control Station equipment, tools, and support equipment (often 25–50 lbs, occasionally more with assistance).
• Bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders or steps, and work in confined or awkward positions while assembling, inspecting, or maintaining equipment.
• Perform fine motor tasks such as connecting wiring harnesses, operating test equipment, conducting inspections, and handling small mechanical or electrical components.
• Maintain visual awareness of aircraft operations and monitor flight activity at varying distances.
• Distinguish colors, indicators, warning lights, and system displays.
• Operate computers, control stations, handheld controllers, radios, and test instrumentation for extended periods.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment, rotating propellers, electrical systems, fuel systems, and ground support equipment while following established safety procedures.
• Safely access remote test locations and uneven terrain.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other safety gear as required.
• Respond quickly during flight test operations and emergency procedures.

Benefits Overview

Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary Range

$40,000 – $52,000 USD