Air Operations Specialist

HavocAI • San Diego, CA

5d • $130,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Havoc AI's Mission Operations (MOPS) team deploys alongside military customers to operate autonomous drone systems in real-world environments. The Air Operations Specialist is responsible for planning and executing drone operations, integrating directly with military units, and serving as the human bridge between Havoc AI's technology and its operators. This role involves field-first operations, with time spent supporting the MOPS team in testing, iteration, and continuous product improvement when not in the field. The ideal candidate can learn quickly, operate with discipline, and thrive in ambiguous environments. A personal passion for flying drones recreationally is also a requirement.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with military drone systems and operational employment tactics.
• Demonstrated experience planning and briefing operations.
• Personal passion for small UAS beyond a professional setting, including recreational flying, building or modifying platforms, or active involvement in the drone community.
• Hands-on experience with open-source autopilot systems such as ArduPilot, PX4, or equivalent, including configuration, troubleshooting, and tuning.
• Familiarity with common ground control station (GCS) platforms such as Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar, including flight log analysis.
• Understanding of RF fundamentals, link budget considerations, and basic electronics as they relate to UAS.
• Willingness to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if not already certified.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time, including potential overseas deployments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage in both informal collaboration and formal military briefings.
• Leads through influence rather than authority, earning trust by delivering value.
• Humble and mission-focused, willing to do whatever is needed to support the team, whether running logistics or briefing senior military leaders.
• Independent thinker who respects and operates within established chains of command.
• Continuous learner who stays current as technology and operational tactics rapidly evolve.
• Enjoys working outdoors and operating in austere field environments.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to balance independent initiative with close team collaboration.

Nice To Haves

• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience with autonomous or AI-enabled UAS platforms.
• Familiarity with Command and Control (C2) software and ground control station interfaces.
• Previous experience in a defense technology company, startup, or other non-traditional military environment.
• Experience supporting operational testing, customer demonstrations, or technology evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Deploy to live events and exercises to operate small UAS systems, integrate with military units, and ensure mission success in the field.
• Plan, coordinate, and brief drone operations to military customers and internal stakeholders, ranging from small teams to senior military leadership.
• Support hardware and software development through operational test events and customer demonstrations, providing real-world operator feedback to engineering teams.
• Serve as a trusted interface with military customers, understanding operational needs and translating them into actionable inputs for Mission Operations and Product teams.
• Identify operational gaps, surface issues, and contribute to refining tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for autonomous systems.
• Collaborate across the Mission Operations team, contributing wherever needed to support the mission while maintaining a team-first mindset.

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
• Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
• Equity Package
• Work / Home Office Stipend
• Global Entry
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed