We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-conscious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Pilot to lead developmental flight test operations for next-generation UAS platforms. This position is core to our R&D team, with a mission-critical focus on rapid prototyping, system validation, and high-risk developmental flights across both fixed-wing and VTOL configurations.

The ideal candidate combines technical flight knowledge with hands-on engineering intuition, and has deep familiarity with ArduPilot flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination. You will work alongside engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and insightful flight testing in both controlled and expeditionary environments.

This is not a drone operator role—it’s a systems-level test pilot position intended for a professional who understands the why behind every airframe maneuver and the how of translating test flights into actionable design improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Test Execution & Safety

• Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early-stage development.
• Conduct pre-flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.
• Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi-autonomous missions, with rapid decision-making authority in-flight.

R&D Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans that validate novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes.
• Translate pilot feedback into system updates—particularly around control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.
• Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback loops to avionics and autonomy teams.

Systems Integration

• Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of ArduPilot-based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.
• Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS (Ground Control Station) operation.
• Use companion tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom GCS interfaces.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all operations are compliant with FAA Part 107, COA requirements, or experimental waiver provisions.
• Maintain detailed flight logs, incident reports, maintenance records, and engineering change documentation.
• Support SOP development for repeatable flight test procedures and team scalability.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.
• 2+ years of experience supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, commercial prototype environments).
• Demonstrated mastery of ArduPilot and related GCS software (e.g., Mission Planner, MAVProxy).
• In-depth understanding of aircraft dynamics, flight envelopes, and autonomous system behavior.
• FAA Part 107 certified (or higher-rated pilot certification).
• Proficiency in flight log analysis tools (e.g., Flight Review, DataFlash logs).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, work in remote locations, and travel as needed for test events.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Location:

• Yuma, AZ 85365 (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Yuma, AZ 85365 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Yuma, AZ 85365: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person