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Job Description
About Us:
Zenith Aerotech is a leading innovator of Tethered Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), specializing in advanced and custom heavy-lift drone technology. We build cutting-edge, tethered solutions that stay airborne for hours—providing critical capabilities for surveillance, tactical communications, and emergency response. If you live and breathe drones, spend your weekends building, tuning, or racing them, and want to turn that passion into a full-time career, we want to talk to you. Job Overview We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile UAS Pilot & Test Specialist to join our team. This isn't just a regular piloting job; it's a hands-on role where you will support both indoor lab testing and outdoor field operations. We are looking for someone who loves to fly, isn't afraid to get their hands dirty with hardware, and understands how to troubleshoot a drone when it doesn't behave as expected. You don't need an engineering degree —we value your real-world experience building, repairing, and operating custom drone platforms.
Responsibilities Flight Operations:
Conduct safe and compliant tethered and free-flight UAS operations under FAA Part 107 regulations.
Test & Validate:
Execute structured flight tests to evaluate system stability, endurance, and heavy-lift performance in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Troubleshoot & Bench Test:
Assist in system setup, hardware configuration, and diagnosing issues on the bench.
Data Logging:
Collect, document, and analyze basic flight logs and test data to help our team improve the platform.
Maintenance & Bench Work:
Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and hardware upgrades on the UAS fleet, ensuring all aircraft are flight-ready and deeply cared for.
Demos & Travel:
Travel to client sites, field demonstrations, and industry events to set up systems and perform live flight demonstrations showcasing our technology.
Collaboration:
Work closely with our technical team to share feedback on how the drones handle, providing insights from a pilot's perspective. Requirements FAA Part 107
Remote Pilot Certificate Proven Drone Experience:
Strong hands-on experience building, configuring, and flying drones (whether for work, hobby, or racing).
FPV Skills:
FPV piloting skills and a solid understanding of manual/acro flight dynamics.
Build & Repair Savvy:
Ability to assemble, repair, and solder drone components (swapping motors, ESCs, fixing wiring, etc.).
Methodical Mindset:
Ability to follow structured test procedures and accurately log what happened during a flight or bench test. Must be authorized to work in the USA and comfortable working in both field (outdoor) and lab environments.
Travel Flexibility:
Willingness to travel for field deployments, multi-day customer demos, and operational testing. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with open-source flight stacks like Pixhawk, Cube, ArduPilot,Betaflight, or PX4 (knowing your way around Mission Planner or QGroundControl). Experience with custom power setups, high-voltage systems, or heavy-lift multirotors. Familiarity with RC/FPV video links, telemetry, and video gear (analog, DJI, Walksnail, HDZero). Experience with camera gimbals, sensor payloads, or video feeds. Join us in pushing the boundaries of unmanned aviation technology! This paid position offers the chance to work at the forefront of drone innovation while developing your skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment dedicated to excellence in aviation operations.
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Ability to
Commute:
Afton, VA 22920 (Required) Ability to
Relocate:
Afton, VA 22920: Relocate before starting work (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Required)
