Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator (R5413)

Shield AI•San Diego, CA

96d•$28 - $42

About The Position

The HMS UAS Operations Technician executes surrogate flight test operations supporting Shield AI’s Hivemind portfolio. The role conducts day-to-day flight activities, aircraft preparation, system configuration, field operations, and operational support for autonomy testing. The technician serves as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, ensuring aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and supporting equipment are mission-ready and operated according to established procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards. The position works closely with software, systems, and flight operations teams to support integration, validation, and operational assessment of autonomy capabilities in laboratory, ground, and flight environments.

Requirements

5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments.
Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration.
Experience developing, implementing, and executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational processes.
Working knowledge of FAA regulations, National Airspace System (NAS) operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements.
Experience conducting flight operations in dynamic and complex test environments.
Strong organizational, communication, and mission planning skills.
Ability to coordinate effectively with software, systems, safety, and flight operations personnel.
FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting autonomy, AI-enabled systems, or developmental flight test programs, particularly with multi-aircraft or distributed UAS operations.
Fabrication experience with design and build of mechanical and electrical systems.
Familiarity with standard control and autopilot elements such as QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, and Px4.
Military UAS operations or test experience.

Responsibilities

Operate flight test platforms in support of daily fly-fix-fly verification activities.
Serve as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS platforms during developmental and operational testing.
Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations.
Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight maintenance activities.
Execute operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with established safety and operational requirements.
Support development, refinement, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational best practices.
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, airspace requirements, range procedures, and company flight operations standards.
Assist in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and operational risk assessments.