Flight Operations Test Manager
AeroVironment, San Diego, CA, United States
Job Overview
The Flight Operations Test Manager will lead all flight-test and range operations for advanced military systems, primarily electronic warfare (EW) and other mission‑critical hardware. The role is highly hands‑on, with approximately 75% of the time spent building and flying drones, executing field tests, supporting drone data collection, hardware integration, firmware/software updates, and test‑range setup/maintenance. The remaining 25% focuses on operational planning, range administration, regulatory compliance, and coordination with federal and DoD agencies.
Manages a small team (2–3 personnel). Requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and experience operating and testing UAS in a defense environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead field operations, flight experiments, and test events for EW and defense hardware.
Build, integrate, and maintain prototype hardware – electronics, RF components, UAS platforms, sensors, and test equipment.
Perform firmware upgrades, software deployments, diagnostics, and troubleshooting on test articles and support systems.
Oversee test‑range setup, calibration, and environmental preparation before missions.
Operate UAS platforms (multi‑rotor and fixed‑wing) in compliance with Part 107 and project‑specific requirements.
Document test results, anomalies, mission logs, and performance metrics per engineering and program standards.
Manage regulatory and permitting workflows – spectrum use, flight operations, and range activities, including NTIA frequency authorizations, FAA COAs, waivers, NOTAM submissions, and FCC licensing.
Coordinate with DoD Range Control, Spectrum Managers, and other agencies.
Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, and flight‑test documentation.
Plan scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment for all test events.
Supervise a small team of test specialists, ensuring training, task assignments, and performance oversight.
Maintain accountability for range equipment, UAS systems, tools, and compliance documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, government partners, and regulatory bodies.
Required Qualifications
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
5–10+ years of flight operations, test‑range management, or UAS integration experience in a defense or government environment.
Hands‑on experience with UAS hardware, electronics, RF systems, and field‑test instrumentation.
Basic understanding of U.S. government frequency‑management processes.
Demonstrated ability to lead small teams in fast‑paced, field‑oriented technical environments.
Experience with firmware flashing, embedded‑system updates, and software configuration workflows.
Excellent technical documentation, mission‑planning, and communication skills.
Ability to lift equipment, work outdoors in varied conditions, and travel frequently to test sites.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting Electronic Warfare (EW), RF, or SIGINT systems.
Prior military, DoD contractor, or government test‑range background.
Familiarity with system‑safety processes, MIL‑STD test procedures, or range‑safety certifications.
Understanding of NTIA frequency‑management processes.
Knowledge of FAA Part 107, COA/waiver processes, and airspace classifications.
FCC equipment‑authorization and spectrum‑regulation experience.
Experience with secure communications, encryption devices, or classified hardware handling.
Engineering degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Salary Range
$98,431 – $133,000
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Company holiday and paid time off
Parental leave
401(k) with company match
Professional development and training reimbursements
Work/life programs and other employee‑wellness supports
EEO Statement
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, or sexual orientation.
ITAR & Clearance
Requires U.S. citizenship and compliance with ITAR/EAR. Secret or Top Secret clearance is desirable but not required.
Clearance Level
No clearance required.
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The Flight Operations Test Manager will lead all flight-test and range operations for advanced military systems, primarily electronic warfare (EW) and other mission‑critical hardware. The role is highly hands‑on, with approximately 75% of the time spent building and flying drones, executing field tests, supporting drone data collection, hardware integration, firmware/software updates, and test‑range setup/maintenance. The remaining 25% focuses on operational planning, range administration, regulatory compliance, and coordination with federal and DoD agencies.
Manages a small team (2–3 personnel). Requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and experience operating and testing UAS in a defense environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead field operations, flight experiments, and test events for EW and defense hardware.
Build, integrate, and maintain prototype hardware – electronics, RF components, UAS platforms, sensors, and test equipment.
Perform firmware upgrades, software deployments, diagnostics, and troubleshooting on test articles and support systems.
Oversee test‑range setup, calibration, and environmental preparation before missions.
Operate UAS platforms (multi‑rotor and fixed‑wing) in compliance with Part 107 and project‑specific requirements.
Document test results, anomalies, mission logs, and performance metrics per engineering and program standards.
Manage regulatory and permitting workflows – spectrum use, flight operations, and range activities, including NTIA frequency authorizations, FAA COAs, waivers, NOTAM submissions, and FCC licensing.
Coordinate with DoD Range Control, Spectrum Managers, and other agencies.
Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, and flight‑test documentation.
Plan scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment for all test events.
Supervise a small team of test specialists, ensuring training, task assignments, and performance oversight.
Maintain accountability for range equipment, UAS systems, tools, and compliance documentation.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, government partners, and regulatory bodies.
Required Qualifications
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
5–10+ years of flight operations, test‑range management, or UAS integration experience in a defense or government environment.
Hands‑on experience with UAS hardware, electronics, RF systems, and field‑test instrumentation.
Basic understanding of U.S. government frequency‑management processes.
Demonstrated ability to lead small teams in fast‑paced, field‑oriented technical environments.
Experience with firmware flashing, embedded‑system updates, and software configuration workflows.
Excellent technical documentation, mission‑planning, and communication skills.
Ability to lift equipment, work outdoors in varied conditions, and travel frequently to test sites.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting Electronic Warfare (EW), RF, or SIGINT systems.
Prior military, DoD contractor, or government test‑range background.
Familiarity with system‑safety processes, MIL‑STD test procedures, or range‑safety certifications.
Understanding of NTIA frequency‑management processes.
Knowledge of FAA Part 107, COA/waiver processes, and airspace classifications.
FCC equipment‑authorization and spectrum‑regulation experience.
Experience with secure communications, encryption devices, or classified hardware handling.
Engineering degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Salary Range
$98,431 – $133,000
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Company holiday and paid time off
Parental leave
401(k) with company match
Professional development and training reimbursements
Work/life programs and other employee‑wellness supports
EEO Statement
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, or sexual orientation.
ITAR & Clearance
Requires U.S. citizenship and compliance with ITAR/EAR. Secret or Top Secret clearance is desirable but not required.
Clearance Level
No clearance required.
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