Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator jobs in United States
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Stealth Mode ยท 4 hours ago

Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator

positionEl Segundo, CA
timeFull-time
remoteHybrid
seniorityMid Level
date3+ years exp

Stealth Mode is a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. They are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator to support the flying, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation high-speed aerial targets and autonomous flight systems.

Software

Responsibilities

Pilot high-performance RC jets, fixed-wing target drones, and multirotor systems during ground and flight testing
Execute pre-flight, post-flight, and safety checklists with discipline
Maintain positive control of aircraft during nominal flights and during upset or emergency scenarios
Provide real-time feedback to engineering teams regarding aircraft behavior, anomalies, or flight envelope limitations
Assist with aircraft assembly, configuration, repair, and rapid turnaround
Set up radios, transmitters, telemetry, FPV links, batteries, propulsion systems, and safety systems
Ensure airframes and propulsion systems are field-ready and meet test requirements
Support flight software and GNC engineers with ArduPilot-based integrations (ArduPlane, ArduCopter, Mission Planner, QGC, etc.)
Perform manual flight testing to characterize aircraft dynamics prior to autopilot engagement
Assist with tuning PID loops, navigation parameters, launch parameters, and failsafes
Help review logs and flight data to identify tuning needs or hardware issues
Contribute to test card creation, range coordination, and safe test execution
Operate ground control stations, RF links, and telemetry systems during tests
Participate in risk reviews, safety briefings, and incident analysis
Support field operations including setup, teardown, and transportation of equipment

Qualification

UAS operationArduPilot integrationHigh-performance aircraft flyingRC aircraft experienceAutonomous flight testingSituational awarenessSafety mindsetDiagnosing aircraft issuesFAA Part 107 certificationTeam collaboration

Required

3+ years experience flying RC aircraft, drones, or UAS (fixed-wing + multirotor)
Demonstrated skill flying high-performance or high-speed aircraft (EDF jets, turbine jets, or equivalent)
Experience with RC transmitters, flight modes, failsafes, and standard radio protocols
Ability to diagnose and repair basic airframe, propulsion, and avionics issues under time pressure
Familiarity with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar autopilot ecosystems
Strong situational awareness and disciplined safety mindset
Ability to travel for flight tests and work in outdoor environments

Preferred

Experience flying large/heavy-lift multi-rotors or hybrid VTOL systems
Experience tuning ArduPilot, PX4, Betaflight, or other autopilot systems
Familiarity with autonomous flight testing and data review (logs, telemetry, onboard captures)
Experience with high-speed FPV, long-range links, or high-G maneuvering aircraft
FAA Part 107 certification
Background in aerospace, robotics, or mechanical/electrical engineering

Company

Stealth Mode

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Stealth Mode
people-size1001-5000 employees

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Company data provided by crunchbase