UAS Operations Specialist - Ground Support

DoorDash • Concord, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

As a UAS Operations Ground Support Specialist, you’ll join Flight Operations in a qualified Commercial Ground Support position supporting safe, compliant UAS delivery operations under Part 135. All hires complete required training and qualification under the company’s FAA-approved training program before independently performing assigned duties. You’ll work alongside Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs), Flight Operations leadership, and Maintenance to support aircraft readiness, safe ground operations, and mission execution through disciplined procedures and clear communication. You’ll also work cross-functionally with Flight Test, Engineering, and other teams to support Part 107 testing, developmental operations, and system validation within applicable authorizations and established safety controls.

Requirements

• Hold a valid Part 107 certificate
• Can complete required training, competency evaluations, recurrent training, and standardization requirements and maintain eligibility for assigned duties.
• Consistently follow manuals, SOPs, checklists, and operating limitations, recognize hazards, and pause or escalate activities when conditions are unsafe.
• Comfortable handling aircraft, batteries, payloads, and support equipment, and can identify incorrect configurations, discrepancies, and abnormal conditions.
• Provide timely, accurate operational callouts and work effectively with pilots, Maintenance, Flight Test, and cross-functional teams within defined responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate training, qualification, operational, and equipment records and report observations clearly to support traceability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Additional qualification or Ground Instructor responsibilities require applicable training, evaluation, and company designation. Selection depends on demonstrated proficiency and program needs, with FAA approval where required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in UAS, aviation ground operations, logistics, maintenance, or another safety-critical environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as qualified Commercial Ground Support within Flight Operations for Part 135 UAS operations once trained, qualified, and authorized.
• Complete training delivered by a qualified Ground Instructor under the company’s FAA-approved training program and required competency evaluations. Initial-cadre members complete the applicable FAA qualification and evaluation process.
• Maintain required qualifications, recurrent training, proficiency, and standardization requirements.
• Support aircraft preparation, staging, payload handling, battery management, equipment setup, launch and recovery, and aircraft turnaround within assigned responsibilities.
• Verify aircraft, payload, equipment, and operating-area readiness in accordance with assigned Ground Support procedures and checklists.
• Apply applicable Part 135 requirements, company manuals, SOPs, checklists, Operations Specifications, exemptions, waivers, and operating limitations relevant to assigned duties.
• Coordinate with the RPIC and operational personnel throughout missions, maintaining situational awareness and timely communication of ground conditions and aircraft readiness.
• Pause unsafe ground activities and promptly escalate concerns through established channels. Flight command authority remains with the RPIC.
• Identify and report hazards, aircraft discrepancies, equipment damage, and procedural deviations through established safety and maintenance channels.
• Maintain accurate training, qualification, operational, and equipment records required for assigned activities.
• Support abnormal and emergency operations within defined Ground Support responsibilities, including required drills and emergency procedure training.
• Work cross-functionally with Flight Test, Engineering, and other teams to support Part 107 testing, developmental operations, demonstrations, and validation within assigned duties and applicable authorizations.
• Provide structured operational feedback and contribute to improvements in ground procedures, SOPs, checklists, equipment, and training materials.
• When qualified and designated, qualify additional Ground Support crew members under the FAA-approved training program. Training duties require separate qualification and designation as a Ground Instructor.
• Work outdoors with extended standing, equipment handling, and varying weather conditions while following company safety practices and operating limits.
• Maintain schedule flexibility for commercial operations, training, and testing, including day, evening, and weekend assignments as required.
• Participate in the company’s FAA/DOT drug and alcohol testing program when assigned duties are covered under 14 CFR Part 120, including pre-employment drug testing and applicable ongoing testing under 49 CFR Part 40.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Wellness benefits
• Commuter benefits match
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act)
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 11 paid holidays
• Disability and basic life insurance
• Family-forming assistance
• Mental health program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed