Drone Operator

Scout AI•Paso Robles, CA

2d•$65,000 - $850,000•Onsite

About The Position

We’re hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso Robles, CA. You’ll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials, and live mission rehearsals - operating both manually and in supervised-autonomy modes. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who is comfortable in the air, meticulous about safety, and energized by working at the frontier of defense robotics.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience operating drones / uncrewed aerial systems (commercial, military, or equivalent).
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or the ability to obtain one prior to start.
Strong situational awareness, sound judgment under pressure, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
Comfort working outdoors in varied conditions at a test range, with the ability to lift and transport equipment.
Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills with hardware, batteries, and payloads.
Clear communicator who can document observations and collaborate closely with engineers.
Must be a U.S. citizen (required for work on defense programs).

Responsibilities

Plan, set up, and execute drone flight operations in support of autonomy testing and mission rehearsals.
Pilot uncrewed aerial systems manually and supervise autonomous flight, intervening safely when needed.
Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload issues in the field.
Capture, log, and organize flight data, telemetry, and observations to feed our model training and engineering teams.
Enforce airspace, range, and safety protocols, and help maintain compliance with FAA and site regulations.
Provide clear, structured feedback to engineers on system performance, failure modes, and edge cases.
Support field deployments, including equipment transport, staging, and recovery.