Flight Test Operator - Data Collection

Flight Test Operator - Data Collection Fixed Term

San Mateo, California, United States
- Full-time

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders , soldiers in battlefield scenarios , and beyond .

About the Role:

Skydio is looking for a Data Collection Flight Test Operator to join our data collection and flight testing team. In this role you'll fly Skydio aircraft across a wide range of environments and scenarios, gathering the data that trains and validates our autonomy and AI systems.

This is a field role, and the travel is real: expect to be on the road roughly [95]% of the time, at test ranges, customer sites, and unimproved field environments across the United States. You'll execute structured flight missions, capture sensor and telemetry data, and feed findings directly back to the engineering teams building the product.

If you want to spend most of your time flying in the real world rather than at a desk, this is that job.

Location: San Mateo, CA (U.S.) — approximately 90% travel

Employment Type: Fixed Term - 12 months

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Safely operate Skydio aircraft across diverse environments - urban, rural, industrial, forested, and degraded-visual conditions - to collect data for product development and validation.

Execute structured flight test plans, including repeatable scripted scenarios and exploratory flights.

Collect, label, and manage high volumes of sensor, imagery, and telemetry data, following established data handling and chain-of-custody procedures.

Maintain accurate flight logs and documentation in compliance with FAA regulations and Skydio's safety procedures.

Report anomalies, near-misses, and incidents promptly and thoroughly, including clear detail on environmental and operational factors.

Partner with engineering and autonomy teams to align on data needs, test objectives, and operational constraints.

Maintain and troubleshoot aircraft, attachments, and ground equipment; keep kit ready for upcoming campaigns.

Required Qualifications:

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.

100+ hours / 1+ years of experience operating small unmanned aircraft in real-world operational environments.

Strong situational awareness and a demonstrated commitment to safe flight practices.

Ability to follow structured test procedures precisely while adapting to changing field conditions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the discipline to document thoroughly in the field.

Valid U.S. driver's license and a driving record acceptable under Skydio's insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Background in aviation, robotics, or field data collection.

Experience with UAS flight testing, flight log analysis, or technical data capture.

Experience operating under Part 107 waivers (BVLOS, night, or operations over people).

Familiarity with Skydio platforms or other advanced autonomous aircraft.

Comfort troubleshooting hardware and software issues independently in the field, without on-site engineering support.

GIS or 3D photogrammetry experience

Conditions of Employment/

Physical Requirements:

Travel approximately up to 90% of the time to test sites, ranges, and field environments across the U.S.

Frequent early mornings, extended field days, and occasional weekend work driven by weather windows and site availability.

Successful completion of a background check

Ability to lift and carry equipment cases…