Senior SUAS Test Operator

Young Community Developers•Irvine, CA

33d•$90,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will be filled with a highly motivated Senior Small UAS Test Pilot with a passion for developmental flight test and improving system capabilities. Senior UAS Test Pilot candidates must be able to safely manage and conduct the operation of developmental small unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms. This position is highly flexible and requires a high degree of competence. Candidates must be able to operate in environments that do not have fully developed documentation and training courses and be able to develop them throughout all stages of the development cycle. Candidates must have the ability to create, review, edit, and publish crew training documentation, checklists, operations manuals, and other documents required to fulfill contract requirements. This role supports kinetic intercept operations, offensive UAS mission execution, and target engagement scenarios while managing all mission preparation, system configuration, equipment pack-out, and checklist enforcement. The position collaborates with engineering teams to improve system performance, develops compliant operational documentation, ensures proper geofence programming, and contributes to FAA regulatory adherence under Part 107 and COA frameworks. Fluency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and similar computer applications is essential to fulfill this role. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with team members, management, and customers in both written and verbal form. CONUS development flight test and intermittent OCONUS operations are to be expected.

Requirements

Maintain a high degree of professionalism including punctuality and accountability
Current FAA SUAS Remote Pilot Certificate
100 hours (or at least one year) of relevant SUAS flight experience while acting as Remote Pilot in Command
Five years of relevant work related to UAS flight operations, or equivalent
Must demonstrate extensive understanding of UAS and aeronautical principles, theories, and concepts.
Must have excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to efficiently collaborate with aircrew, management, civilian and government customers, and contractors
Must be fluent with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat for documentation development
Must be able to work both independently and lead in a team environment.
Must be willing to work extended or non-traditional hours when required.
Must have a team-first attitude and drive for system success.
Ability to support five (5) complete on-site workdays per week during CONUS test and flight operations
A High School diploma or equivalent is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Any piloting experience in addition to SUAS is desired (e.g. sport, recreational, private)
Experience with RC model aircraft
Experience obtaining approvals to fly SUAS in military or civilian airspace to include waiver applications
Experience with Ardupilot-based SUAS
Experience flying SUAS in a deployed or unfamiliar flight environment that requires detailed planning and coordination
Advanced degree in mechanical or electrical field or other relevant technical fields

Responsibilities

Execute Group 2 flight missions for both counter-UAS interception and offensive UAS operations, including manual stick control when required.
Design safe and compliant mission plans for both target and interceptor vehicles, including geofence creation and enforcement to protect national airspace and mission assets
Direct launch and recovery crews, maintain operational authority over safety-critical decisions, and lead emergency procedure execution during flight operations
Perform complete mission pack-out, preflight inspections, ground checkout, firmware/configuration validation, communications setup, and site surveys
Ensure all operational checklists are followed in proper sequence to maintain procedural and safety integrity
Collect and organize telemetry logs, payload logs, radio data, and system performance metrics for engineering review and program traceability
Work directly with engineering teams to provide operational feedback that improves system reliability, seeker and autopilot performance, and mission-effectiveness of offensive and cUAS platforms
Develop flight documentation, SOPs, and training material to ensure future pilots operate systems safely, effectively, and in full compliance with regulations and company policy
Perform other duties as directed by supervision and management for the benefit of the company, program, or employee(s)

Benefits

DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE.
DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays.
Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.

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