Drone Operator

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled FPV Pilot with advanced acro mode flight experience for visual line-of-sight operations (no goggles). This role focuses on hands‑on drone testing and evaluation to support the development of next‑generation UAS technologies. You’ll work closely with systems and flight engineers to provide actionable flight data and feedback that drive design improvements and system reliability.

This position is fully on-site at our test facility. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Operate small and mid-size multi‑rotor and fixed‑wing UAS platforms in acro mode within visual line‑of‑sight (VLOS) environments.
• Conduct test flights, calibration routines, and performance evaluations under engineering supervision.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers to provide high‑quality, data‑driven feedback on flight performance, control tuning, and system reliability.
• Maintain detailed logs of flight hours, aircraft condition, and observed anomalies. Support safety and compliance processes in accordance with FAA Part 107 and internal operating procedures.
• Participate in system validation efforts involving PX4, Ardu Pilot, Auterion, and Herelink control systems. Contribute to iterative design reviews, prototype evaluations, and test readiness reviews.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required; will be verified). 100+ hours of logged FPV flight time.
• +1 year of consistent acro mode flight experience under visual line of sight (no goggles). Demonstrated experience with multi‑rotor UAS operations (required).
• Proven FPV flying and ability to demonstrate control precision in manual (acro) mode.
• Working knowledge of FAA small UAS regulations and operational best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate flight behavior into engineering insights.
• Strong situational awareness and adherence to test‑site safety standards.
• Preferred qualification:
  Experience with fixed‑wing RC aircraft operations (huge plus). Familiarity with PX4, Ardu Pilot, Auterion, and Herelink.
• Experience with UAS systems, aerodynamics, or flight controls integration.
• Ability to record and share video footage of recent acro line‑of‑sight FPV flights for evaluation.
• Previous work in structured flight test environments or R&D programs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Francisco, CA.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 – $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Francisco, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.