The Senior UAS Operator leads a team of UAS Operators in flight operations for hydrogen-powered Hybrid VTOL and Multirotor unmanned aerial systems, covering post-production flights, technical demonstrations, field support and end-user training. The role owns the health and readiness of air vehicles, ground control systems and ground support equipment, including logbooks and configuration records. As part of the Flight Operations Department, the operator provides user-perspective feedback during system development, supports issue reproduction, data collection and controlled test execution, and helps refine training documentation. The position involves regular travel to flight test ranges and occasional CONUS and OCONUS travel for demonstrations, training and field support.

Responsibilities

Lead operation of Air Vehicles, Ground Control Systems, Ground Support Equipment, payloads, radios, and associated equipment during post-production, demonstration, and training flights.
Lead execution of approved flight plans, ground test procedures, checklists, and flight profiles for Group 2+ UAS.
Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new operators.
Support engineering reporting by providing operator notes, flight logs, configuration records, and factual observations.
Support installation, checkout, and troubleshooting of approved payload, radio, harness, and electromechanical integrations under engineering direction.
Support the development of sustainment-ready military UAS by providing product feedback to the engineering team to inform design objectives and improvements.
Develop and implement customer use cases of the Air Vehicle.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years military or commercial UAS operations experience in deployed or testing environment.
Minimum of 4 years experience in a leadership role within the military or commercial UAS/aviation industry.
Experience drafting and / or maintaining logbooks, maintenance records, configuration records, and discrepancy documentation in a controlled operational or test environment.
Ability to execute approved test cards, checklists, and flight plans while remaining within defined operational limitations and / or test parameters.
Strong discipline in pre-flight, post-flight, configuration control, and anomaly documentation processes.
Ability to present technical data to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to maintain and optimize complex systems, including preventative maintenance.
Ability to inspect, install, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on payload and radio integration harnesses under engineering direction.
Commitment to maintaining and improving safety for personnel and equipment.
Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Collaborative, professional, and effective in conflict resolution.
Active DOD Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain).
Active Class 2 FAA Medical Certification (or ability to obtain).
This position may require access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).

Nice to have

Experience with military, fixed wing VTOL or multirotor, and Group 2+ categories in operational or test environments.
Military or civilian UAS / aviation instructor experience.
Experience supporting developmental flight testing, ground testing, iron bird testing, or controlled system checkout activities.
Experience with STANAG 4586 GCS with software such as Vigilant Spirit
Experience with SOCOM Modular Payload standards.
Experience with manual flight control.

Benefits

Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits in protectional, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.