Flight Test Operator Featured
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Wage
- Hourly
- Job ID
- 33754449164
- Posted
- 2025-11-4
Flight Test Operator job at Zone 5 Technologies in San Luis Obispo CA
Description, duties, responsibilities
At Zone 5 Technologies were redefining whats possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
Were building the future of UAS capabilities and were looking for exceptional talent to join us. If youre driven by hard problems energized by rapid innovation and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems you belong here.
Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Flight Test Operator to assemble certify and fly groups 1 to 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will play a crucial role in the planning execution and analysis of flight tests for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). You will work with cross-functional teams to develop test plans conduct flight tests and ensure that UAV systems meet performance safety and reliability standards. This position requires a strong background in aerospace engineering a deep understanding of UAV systems and experience in flight testing.
Zone 5 maintains a weekly flight test cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo CA area. In addition there will be occasional flight test demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight testing requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.
Responsibilities:
Test Planning and Coordination:
- Develop detailed flight test plans including objectives methodologies safety protocols and resource requirements.
- Collaborate with design engineers systems engineers and software developers to define test requirements and procedures.
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards.
- Conduct pre-flight inspections and system checks to ensure the readiness of UAVs for testing.
- Lead or participate in the execution of flight tests including piloting UAVs remotely if required.
- Monitor and analyze flight data in real-time to ensure the achievement of test objectives.
- Troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and implement corrective actions.
- Collect analyze and interpret flight test data to assess the performance of UAV systems.
- Prepare comprehensive test reports documenting results findings and recommendations for design improvements.
- Present findings to engineering teams management and external stakeholders.
- Implement and enforce safety protocols during all phases of flight testing.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure safe operations.
- Lead post-test debriefs to identify lessons learned and incorporate them into future testing.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of test methodologies and procedures.
- Stay current with industry trends emerging technologies and best practices in UAV flight testing.
- Bachelors degree in related engineering field or equivalent related experience in the field preferred.
- 1-5 years of experience in aerospace engineering with at least 1-2 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) preferred.
- Experience in planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems telemetry and flight control systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
- Knowledge of FAA regulations and airworthiness standards for UAVs.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
- Primarily office-based with significant time spent at test sites.
- My include environments in hot cold and/or wet conditions.
- May involve travel to various test locations and working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions.
$70000-$100000 USD
Whats in it for you:
Benefits:
- Competitive total compensation package
- Comprehensive benefit package options include medical dental vision life and more.
- 401k with company-match
- 4 weeks of paid time off each year
- 12 annual company holidays
- Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of whats possible.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid-west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.
In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify:
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Zone 5 Technologies Company Overview
The following jobs have been promoted on the Aviation Ad Network and are to be considered - current, newsworthy aviation employment information (FYI). No guarantee is made as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any information, projections or opinions in announcements obtained through the promoted jobs. The information contained in this announcement is compiled for the convenience of site visitors and is accepted by the site visitor on the condition that errors or omissions are not the responsibility of Avjobs and shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause of action. Please visit this companys web site for additional details and information. Please reference Avjobs when applying.
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