sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Young Community Developers • Irvine, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The sUAS Remote Pilot serves as a dual-role operator with integrated responsibilities spanning RPIC authority and full system readiness ownership. The position supports Group 1 through Group 4 UAS platforms across the complete lifecycle of system employment, including research and development, test and evaluation, production validation, and operational deployment. This position will require the RPIC to work in a very dynamic environment across a wide range of sUAS systems. The RPIC will serve in a variety of roles as part of a larger test and operational team and conduct flights across a wide range of locations domestically and internationally.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and technical data for unmanned aerial systems.
• Ability to perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience conducting operational checks, preflight/post flight activities, and system validation tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and flight test personnel.
• Proficiency in reading and applying technical manuals, engineering drawings, and maintenance procedures.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in dynamic test environments and adapt to shifting operational needs
• Ability to conduct safe flight operations in high pressure dynamic environments.
• Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role.
• 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

• Experience working with airframes at various stages of development and a strong troubleshooting background.
• Experience supporting flight test operations or demonstration events.
• Familiarity with GCP, ATP, or other structured test/inspection procedures.
• Experience with launch and recovery systems for unmanned aircraft.
• Prior work in government contracted aviation or defense environments.
• Experience with various Ground Control Station software such as ArduPilot Mission Planner or QGroundControl and various UAS protocols such as MAVLink or UAVCan.
• Extensive flight experience across a wide range of environments and mission types.
• Military UAS/sUAS training and experience is a plus.
• Technical school training, military training, or applicable collage education preferred.
• Part 107 required, relevant FAA certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute Ground Checkout Procedures (GCP) and Acceptance & Test Procedures (ATP) to verify aircraft readiness and system functionality.
• Support aircraft build‑up activities for test and demonstration events, ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards.
• Conduct preflight, post‑flight, and post‑shipping inspections to confirm aircraft structural integrity, airworthiness, and proper battery charge levels.
• Set up and tear down launch and recovery equipment, ensuring correct configuration, operational integrity, and safety‑of‑flight readiness.
• Setup, troubleshoot, and resolve complex GCS and network issues during operations and deployments.
• Collaborate with flight‑test engineers to identify discrepancies, validate data, and maintain safety‑of‑flight standards.
• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, preventive maintenance, scheduled inspections, and authorized alterations on aircraft and support equipment.
• Prepare and maintain maintenance documentation, reports, and flight release authorization forms.
• Conduct safe, legal, and compliant flight operations to support the flight test program, as well as for customer facing demonstrations and training events.
• Serve as the SME for the conduct of flight operations and the integration of the sUAS systems in development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.
• Annual bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED