Drone Pilot​/UAS Test Operator

Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator

Join Stealth Mode as a Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator. We are a stealth‑mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA.

We are a high‑agency team built by founders from Space

X, Anduril, Northrop, ABL, and Lockheed Martin. With backers who are Joint Staff‑level military leaders and top‑tier Silicon Valley investors, we are positioned to capitalize on overwhelming demand for autonomous flight systems.

We are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator to support flying, development, testing, and evaluation of next‑generation high‑speed aerial targets and autonomous flight systems.

• Split operations between El Segundo and the Mojave desert.
• Pilot RC jets, fixed‑wing target drones, and multirotor systems during ground and flight testing.
• Execute pre‑flight, post‑flight, and safety checklists.
• Maintain positive control during nominal flights and release during upset or emergency scenarios.
• Provide real‑time feedback to engineering teams regarding aircraft behavior and limits.
• Assist with aircraft assembly, configuration, repair, and rapid turnaround.
• Set up radios, transmitters, telemetry, FPV links, batteries, propulsion systems, and safety systems.
• Support flight software and GNC engineers with Ardu Pilot‑based integrations.
• 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.

• 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 Ardu Pilot, Mission Planner, QGround
  
  Control, or similar autopilot ecosystems.
• Strong situational awareness and disciplined safety mindset.
• Availability to travel for flight tests and work in outdoor environments.

• Experience flying large/heavy‑lift multi‑rotors or hybrid VTOL systems.
• Experience tuning Ardu Pilot, PX4, Beta flight, 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.