Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator (R5413)

Shield AI
San Diego
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 28 - 42 hourlyFunction: Field Service, Maintenance & Skilled TradesSkills: ["Organizational skills","Communication skills","Mission planning","Technical troubleshooting","Cross-functional coordination"]

Execute surrogate UAS flight test operations supporting the Hivemind autonomy portfolio. Serve as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS assets, handling aircraft and payload preparation, system configuration, and field operations. Coordinate readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery, and post-flight maintenance while running SOP- and safety-compliant operational test procedures. Partner with software, systems, and flight operations teams to integrate and assess autonomy in laboratory, ground, and flight environments.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
21 hours ago

Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator (R5413)

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 5 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Execute surrogate UAS flight test operations supporting the Hivemind autonomy portfolio. Serve as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS assets, handling aircraft and payload preparation, system configuration, and field operations. Coordinate readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery, and post-flight maintenance while running SOP- and safety-compliant operational test procedures. Partner with software, systems, and flight operations teams to integrate and assess autonomy in laboratory, ground, and flight environments.
Location: San Diego
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Field Service, Maintenance & Skilled Trades
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Operate as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS test assets during developmental and operational testing.
  • •Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations.
  • •Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery, and post-flight maintenance.
  • •Execute operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements.
  • •Support refinement and enforcement of SOPs, checklists, and operational best practices, including FAA and range procedure compliance.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 28 - 42 hourly
Equity and Bonus:Equity

Key Requirements

  • •5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments.
  • •Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration.
  • •Experience developing, implementing, and executing SOPs, checklists, and operational processes.
  • •Working knowledge of FAA regulations, National Airspace System (NAS) operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements.
  • •FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience, plus ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Experience:UASMilitaryFlight testingAutonomyDistributed UAS
Skills:Organizational skillsCommunication skillsMission planningTechnical troubleshootingCross-functional coordination
Certifications:FAA Part 107
Tech Stack:UASGroup 1/2COTSAutopilot systemsGround control stationsCommunications systemsSOPsChecklistsFAA regulationsNational Airspace System (NAS)QGCMission PlannerArdupilotPx4Airspace coordination

Eligibility

Nationality:US National
Security Clearance:SECRET

Company Brief

Shield AI
Develops AI-powered autonomy and software for military aircraft and drones to enable autonomous ISR and combat missions, integrating perception, navigation, and mission planning for defense customers.
Industry: Defense Technology
Company Size: Large (251 to 1,000 employees)
Growth: Scaleup
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: San Diego, United States
Founded: 2015
WebsiteLinkedIn