UAS Flight Operator

Paladin Drones•Houston, TX

5d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Paladin is revolutionizing emergency response by deploying autonomous drones to 911 calls. Our flagship product, the EXT, brings autonomy and cellular connectivity to third-party drones via a unified software platform. Our goal is to integrate this life-saving technology into cities worldwide over the next decade. We are seeking a UAS Flight Operator to join our Engineering team in Houston, TX. This is a hands-on, field-focused position supporting the development, testing, and validation of new drone hardware and robotics software. You’ll work closely with engineers to execute structured test flights, troubleshoot systems, document performance data, and provide feedback that drives rapid iteration. This role is strictly R&D- and quality control-focused—there will be no emergency response or surveillance missions. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our aerial platforms are robust, reliable, and ready for deployment.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)
3+ years of experience operating drones in testing, research, or development settings
Strong communication skills with the ability to document and articulate technical observations clearly
Comfort working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Familiarity with UAS ground control systems, telemetry tools, and sensor integrations
Willingness to adapt in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and iterative engineering environment
Ability to commute to and work on-site in Houston, TX
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends as testing requires

Nice To Haves

Experience with DJI Enterprise platforms (e.g., Matrice 300, 350, 30T, 3TD)
Familiarity with DJI Docking Stations or similar autonomous systems
Comfortable using collaboration tools like Google Workspace, Jira, Asana, and Slack
Technical proficiency in UAS hardware and software systems

Responsibilities

Execute structured test flights to validate new hardware, sensors, firmware, and autonomy features.
Record, organize, and share test data, logs, and performance observations with engineering teams.
Assist in diagnosing anomalies and issues with hardware, firmware, and software integrations.
Conduct thorough checks and calibrations to ensure aircraft readiness and safety.
Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on UAS platforms and support equipment.
Manage field equipment, batteries, and toolkits to ensure they are organized and test-ready.
Provide real-time insights and documentation to support rapid product iterations.