Test Technician Lead - UAV

Ideal Aerosmith•Rockville, MD

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. The company focuses on innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services, operating with a lean culture through continuous improvement. The Test Technician Lead – UAV is responsible for leading the execution of ground and flight test activities for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role involves ensuring aircraft are properly configured, tested, and ready for flight operations, while supervising test technicians and coordinating with engineering and flight operations teams. It is a highly hands-on position supporting prototype and production aircraft in both lab and field environments, critical for maintaining execution tempo, real-time troubleshooting, and ensuring safe, repeatable, and successful test operations.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in UAV/UAS operations, aerospace testing, or related technical field
Strong background in aircraft systems, avionics, or mechanical/electrical integration
Experience supporting ground and/or flight test operations
Ability to travel (domestic and internationally) and obtain a passport
Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)
Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and integrated systems
Experience working with UAV systems, avionics, payloads, and communications systems
Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
Experience executing or supporting test plans and test cards
Familiarity with flight operations environments and safety procedures
Strong leadership and team coordination skills
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving prototype and production environment
Strong attention to detail with focus on safety, quality, and execution
Effective communication skills across engineering, production, and flight teams
Basic computer skills for documentation, tracking, and system configuration

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a lead or supervisory role preferred

Responsibilities

Lead execution of ground and flight test operations for UAV systems
Supervise and coordinate test technicians during build, retrofit, and flight activities
Ensure aircraft readiness for test events, including configuration, system checks, and troubleshooting
Execute and support test cards, including pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and system integration issues on aircraft in real time
Work directly with engineering teams to implement fixes and improvements during test operations
Support field deployments, including setup and sustainment of flight operations from trailers or remote sites
Maintain configuration awareness across aircraft and ensure test articles match intended configurations
Perform system bring-up, validation, and functional checks on avionics, payloads, and communication systems
Drive test discipline, safety, and execution standards across all operations
Support rapid turnaround of aircraft between sorties, including inspections, repairs, and reconfiguration
Document test activities, discrepancies, and resolutions to support continuous improvement
Other duties as assigned