UAS Test Manager
About The Position
As a UAS Test Manager, you will lead a test team in the development and execution of a comprehensive flight test program for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role will be responsible for executing structured test methodologies, managing on-site flight test operations, and leading test operations alongside a multidisciplinary, matrixed team of test engineers and operators supporting autonomous air vehicle development. You will work closely with autonomy, embedded software, hardware, systems engineering, and program leadership teams to validate aircraft performance, autonomy behaviors, mission capabilities, and system reliability across both developmental and operational testing environments.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in UAS, aerospace, or flight test engineering environments
- Experience executing structured flight test programs for UAS or autonomous aircraft systems
- Prior experience leading or managing test teams
- Strong understanding of flight test methodologies, safety processes, telemetry systems, and test data analysis
- Experience supporting multidisciplinary integration and validation efforts across hardware and software systems
- Strong operational planning, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced field and startup environments
- Willingness to travel frequently to flight test sites
- FAA Part 107 certification
Nice To Haves
- Experience with autonomous aircraft, VTOL systems, or defense-related UAS platforms
- Experience with environmental and reliability testing for aerospace systems
- Military, defense, or government flight test program experience
Responsibilities
- Support and improve the company’s UAS flight test program, processes, and operational procedures, including test plans, test cards, risk assessments, safety procedures, and post-flight reporting processes
- Lead and mentor a team of test support personnel
- Design and execute structured test campaigns covering airworthiness, autonomy performance, mission validation, reliability, environmental testing, and subsystem integration
- Coordinate flight operations, range logistics, airspace management, and field test activities
- Collaborate closely with autonomy, controls, embedded, hardware, and systems engineering teams to define validation objectives and acceptance criteria
- Drive root-cause investigations and corrective actions for flight anomalies, failures, and safety events
- Ensure safe execution of all flight activities and maintain strong operational discipline across the test organization
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- meaningful equity
- a generous benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
