Flight Operations Test Manager

Flight Operations Test Manager

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. This role is highly hands-on, spending approximately 75% of time building and flying drones, executing field testing, supporting drone data collection in the office and in the wild, 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. This position manages a small team (2-3 personnel) and requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate along with experience operating and testing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in a defense environment. The ideal candidate is general / entry-level familiar with federal spectrum and flight-authority processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Operations & Test Execution (≈75%)
• Lead and conduct flight operations, field experiments, and test events for EW and other defense hardware systems.
• Build, integrate, and maintain prototype hardware, including electronics, RF components, UAS platforms, sensors, and associated test equipment.
• Perform firmware upgrades, software deployments, diagnostics, and troubleshooting on test articles and support systems.
• Oversee test range setup, calibration, environmental preparation, and system validation prior to mission execution.
• Operate UAS platforms (multi-rotor and fixed-wing) in compliance with Part 107 and project-specific operational requirements.
• Document test results, anomalies, mission logs, and system performance metrics in accordance with engineering and program standards.
• Operations Management & Administration (≈25%)
• Support management of all regulatory and permitting workflows related to spectrum use, flight operations, and range activities, including:
• NTIA frequency authorization requests
• FAA COAs, waivers, NOTAM submissions, and mission approvals
• FCC licensing for RF emissions where applicable
• Coordination with DoD Range Control, Spectrum Managers, and related agencies
• Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and flight-test documentation.
• Oversee scheduling, logistics planning, and risk assessment for all test events.
• Manage a small team of test specialists, ensuring proper 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 external regulatory bodies.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 5-10+ years of experience in flight operations, test range management, or UAS integration-preferably in a defense or government environment.
• Hands-on experience with UAS hardware, electronics, RF systems, and field test instrumentation.
• Initial / entry-level understanding of US Gov. frequency management processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams in fast-paced, field-oriented technical environments.
• Experience with firmware flashing, embedded systems 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
• FAA Part 107, COA/waiver processes, airspace classifications
• FCC equipment authorization and spectrum regulations
• DoD or government test-range operations (preferred)
• Experience with secure communications, encryption devices, or classified hardware handling.
• Engineering degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or related field (or equivalent experience).