Field Technical Specialist (sUAS / Military Flight Operations)Location: Flexible
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Head of Engineering
The Impact You'll MakeAs a Field Technical Specialist, you will bridge the gap between engineering and customer-facing operations by leveraging your military UAS experience to support live flight demonstrations, field testing, and technical evaluations. Your expertise will ensure reliable deployment of aerial systems and communications technology in demanding operational environments while demonstrating their value to military and government customers.
Key Responsibilities- Drone Operations & Flight Safety: Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) or Flight Operations Lead for manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous flight demonstrations, sensor testing, and payload evaluations.
- Flight Planning & Compliance: Conduct pre-flight inspections, site risk assessments, airspace authorization coordination (LAANC/COAs), and safety briefings while maintaining accurate flight logs, maintenance records, and incident reports.
- Field Demonstrations & Military Exercises: Prepare, transport, configure, and operate ground control stations, communications equipment, and aerial systems during military trials, government exercises, and customer evaluations.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve hardware, flight controller, RF communications, software, networking, and telemetry issues in dynamic field environments.
- Engineering Collaboration: Collect flight telemetry, operational performance data, and customer feedback to support engineering evaluations and product improvements.
- Technical Sales Support: Partner with Business Development to deliver live demonstrations, technical briefings, and system overviews, addressing customer questions regarding flight performance, payload integration, command-and-control links, and operational capabilities.
- Customer Training & Documentation: Train military and government operators on system operation, flight safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting while developing flight checklists, technical guides, and Quick Reference Cards (QRCs).
- Operational Safety: Ensure field operations, equipment handling, and flight activities comply with applicable FAA regulations, military range requirements, and company safety procedures.
What We're Looking ForMinimum Qualifications
- Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Information Technology, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent military training, certifications, and relevant hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- UAS Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience operating military or commercial small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
- 5+ years of relevant military UAS operations, aviation, field technical support, or related experience; equivalent military training and operational experience will be considered.
- Certification: Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or ability to obtain certification immediately upon hire.
- Technical Aptitude: Strong troubleshooting skills involving hardware, firmware, RF communications, networking, or telemetry systems.
- Flight Systems: Experience with Ground Control Station software and flight planning tools.
- Communication: Ability to explain technical capabilities, provide operational briefings, and train military or government personnel.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel frequently (50-70%) to military installations, remote testing ranges, and customer locations.
- Security: Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Prior military service as a qualified UAS Operator or Pilot (e.g., U.S. Army 15W, USMC 7314, USAF 1U0X1, U.S. Navy, or SOF equivalent).
- Experience with QGroundControl, Mission Planner, TAK/ATAK integrations, or comparable flight management platforms.
- Familiarity with military flight operations, tactical communications, and government testing environments.
- Experience supporting military exercises, field demonstrations, sensor testing, or payload integration.
- Background in electrical engineering, RF systems, computer engineering, or related technical disciplines.
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
Perks & Benefits- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
- Retirement Plan with company contributions
- Employee Incentive Plan & Performance Bonus Structure
- Culture dedicated to continuous technical learning, professional mentorship, and career growth
Work AuthorizationApplicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the company is unable to sponsor employment visas for this role.
