Testing Lead CUAS

Young Community Developers • Portland, OR

2d • $160,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Testing Lead for Counter-UAS (CUAS) and RF systems plans, executes, and oversees laboratory, anechoic chamber, and field testing of drone and counter-drone technologies. The role leads evaluation of RF sensing, tracking, identification, and defeat mechanisms against evolving unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats. It manages a test team, maintains a current library of drones and communication protocols, and develops a structured, repeatable field-test program to validate CUAS system performance against realistic and emerging threat environments.

The position is based onsite in Portland, Oregon. It requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States full time without current or future employment visa sponsorship. Travel is listed as 10%; it is not required for daily activities, but travel is probable once per quarter.

Working conditions may range from a general office environment to warehouses and other facilities. Physical demands include stooping, standing, climbing, occasionally lifting at least 25 pounds, and moving between departments, floors, and worksites. The annual salary range is $160,000–$180,000, depending on relevant factors, and the position is eligible for an annual bonus.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience with CUAS detection and defeat systems, electronic warfare jamming technologies, or UAS.
• Hands-on experience operating and testing drones across multiple protocols, including Wi-Fi, proprietary RF links, and frequency-hopping systems.
• Strong understanding of RF measurement techniques, anechoic chamber operation, and controlled test environments.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex field tests involving live drone operations.
• Experience using test instrumentation such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, channel emulators, and antennas.
• Strong technical troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Part 107 license.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States full time without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with UAS communication protocols, telemetry systems, and RF command-and-control links.
• Experience integrating or testing advanced drone technologies such as FPV systems, GPS-denied navigation, or digital RF links.
• Knowledge of UAS regulatory frameworks, including FAA rules, airspace restrictions, and COAs.
• Field-range experience involving live flight testing or electronic warfare evaluation.
• Experience managing test teams, test assets, and multi-stage test campaigns.
• Additional certifications in UAS operations, RF systems, electronic warfare testing, or flight safety.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with anechoic chamber staff to support test setup and execution, calibration oversight, and safety compliance.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive field-testing program for drone and counter-drone technologies.
• Maintain and continually update a diverse library of drones.
• Plan, schedule, and manage field-test events, coordinating with range facilities, safety teams, and internal operations and engineering staff.
• Oversee testing of CUAS detection, tracking, identification, and defeat functions against real UAS platforms.
• Collaborate with system, RF, software, and verification and validation engineering teams to define test configurations, scenarios, and acceptance criteria.
• Manage testing-related logistics, including purchase orders and vendor interactions.
• Ensure accurate data collection, documentation, and test reporting for internal use and customer deliverables.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause identification for observed system performance issues.
• Manage test assets, facilities, instrumentation, drones, payloads, and electronic warfare testing equipment.
• Train and mentor test technicians and engineers in best-practice test procedures and safe UAS operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements for UAS field operations.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager