UAV Drone Pilot and Defense Ops Specialist
Listed on 2026-05-29
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Robotics
UAV / Drone Pilot and Defense Operations SpecialistLocations:Chicago (Schaumburg), ILType:Full Time | Open 4/27/26 | Close 5/29/26About Wing Xpand
Wing Xpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast.
As Wing Xpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.
Wing Xpand is seeking a UAV / Drone Pilot and Defense Operations Specialist to support customer demos, training, operational events, and field deployments. This role is highly customer facing and ideal for someone with real world drone operations experience who thrives in fast paced environments and enjoys working directly with military, government, and public safety customers.
Key Responsibilities:- Flight Operations: Safely operate UAVs and VTOL systemsduring demos, training events, test operations, and customer missions.
- Customer Demonstrations: Lead live product demonstrationsand support operational evaluations.
- Training: Conduct classroom and hands on flight training foroperators and customers.
- Mission Support: Assist customers during exercises,deployments, and operational activities.
- Customer Success: Help customers successfully integrate and operate Wing Xpand systems.
- Product Engagement: Provide real time operational feedbackdirectly to Wing Xpand’s engineering and technician teams and help shape next generation products and capabilities.
- Travel: Travel regularly to customer sites, test events, andtrade shows, potentially with limited notice.
- FAA Part 107 certification required.
- 3+ years of experience operating UAVs, VTOL systems, orunmanned aircraft platforms.
- Military aviation or Group 1/2 UAS experience preferred.
- Preferred experience with modern battlefield TTPs (Tactics,Techniques, and Procedures).
- Strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and directly with customers in operational environments.
- Ability to travel frequently.
To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).
If you are a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a passion for innovation and technology, we want to hear from you!
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