Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator Job at Singularity Defense, El Segundo, CA

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  • Singularity Defense
  • El Segundo, CA

Job Description

Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, Northrop, ABL and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley rms. We're assembling a high-agency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

We are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator to support the flying, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation high-speed aerial targets and autonomous flight systems. You will fly a wide range of remotely-piloted vehiclesfrom high-speed RC jets to low-speed target drones, heavy-lift quadcopters, and custom R&D platforms. This role is hands-on and mission-critical; you will be directly involved in preparing aircraft, executing flight operations, and supporting autopilot tuning and integration efforts (ArduPilot/ArduPlane/ArduCopter). You will work closely with flight software, GNC, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure safe and reliable flight test execution across multiple development programs.

Responsibilities:

Travel:

  • The role will be split between El Segundo and trips to the Mojave desert for testing.

Flight Operations:

  • Pilot high-performance RC jets, fixed-wing target drones, and multirotor systems during ground and flight testing.
  • Execute pre-flight, post-flight, and safety checklists with discipline.
  • Maintain positive control of aircraft during nominal flights and during upset or emergency scenarios.
  • Provide real-time feedback to engineering teams regarding aircraft behavior, anomalies, or flight envelope limitations.

Aircraft Preparation & Maintenance:

  • Assist with aircraft assembly, configuration, repair, and rapid turnaround.
  • Set up radios, transmitters, telemetry, FPV links, batteries, propulsion systems, and safety systems.
  • Ensure airframes and propulsion systems are field-ready and meet test requirements.

Autopilot Development Support:

  • Support flight software and GNC engineers with ArduPilot-based integrations (ArduPlane, ArduCopter, Mission Planner, QGC, etc.).
  • 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.

Test & Operations Support:

  • 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.

Required Qualifications:

  • 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 ArduPilot, Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar autopilot ecosystems.
  • Strong situational awareness and disciplined safety mindset.
  • Ability to travel for flight tests and work in outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience flying large/heavy-lift multi-rotors or hybrid VTOL systems.
  • Experience tuning ArduPilot, PX4, Betaflight, 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.
Singularity Defense

Job Tags

Remote work

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