Director, UAS Flight Operations

Job Description

Vermeer is looking for a UAS Flight Operations Director to join our team. In this role, you will be heading up the Flight Testing & Validation processes for our next gen of GPS-denied navigation. Your responsibilities will include 

• Planning daily flight tests on various Group 1-2 UAS, including multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL. 

• Managing a small team of pilots 

• Managing and maintaining flight testing documentation 

• Maintain all in-house aircraft 

• Interface and data transfer with software and mechanical engineers during daily operations 

In your role as Director, you will be working in the office as well as in the field, as operations require. Drone operations will include Group 1-3 fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor UAS platforms. Proficiency with PX4/Ardupilot flight stacks and various GCS is highly preferred. Collaboration with our engineering team will be crucial as you plan, execute,  and report on test activities. Success in this role hinges on your ability to adapt to new requirements and manage flight operations across multiple projects. The ability to be self-sufficient and multi-task efficiently is very important in this position. 

While a BS in Engineering, Computer Science,  Aerospace, Aviation, or a related field is preferred, we will consider equivalent professional experience. Please note that non-engineering or hobbyist experience limited to DJI or equivalent Group 1 UAS is not sufficient for this role. The ability to interpret technical documentation and integrate payloads onto aircraft is essential, as is hands-on experience with  small power tools, lab test equipment, soldering, and custom wiring harnesses. Familiarity with basic electronics and  troubleshooting (multimeter, oscilloscope etc) is a huge plus.

This is a full-time, in-person position at our Brooklyn, NY office. A relocation stipend will be offered.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship

• FAA Part 107 Certification.

 • Significant experience planning flight test cards, considering test hardware, software versions, flight paths, safety protocols

• 2+ years experience managing at least 1 pilot 

• Significant experience - PX4 / Ardupilot autopilot systems and MAVLINK

• Significant experience - flying Group 2-3 UAS

• Significant experience - ground control software including Q Ground Control and Mission Planner

• Strong understanding of 14 CFR Part 107 regulations and FAA airspace, and FAA waivers. 

• Strong understanding of drone electrical, mechanical, and software systems. 

• Technology background with troubleshooting skills and analytical research capabilities. 

• Must possess a driver's license and be willing to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualifications to operate complex civilian or government UAS systems. 

• Military training as an Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) or Pilot in Command (PIC). 

• Experience building custom drones or integrating drone components including custom payloads, cameras, sensing  systems, hardware, electronics, wiring, GPS systems, autopilots, firmware, and software. 

• Background in software or computer science. 

• Proficiency in operating Linux, Ubuntu, Windows, and/or terminal commands. 

• Prior experience in software code/script building using programming languages. 
• Experience with prototype fabrication using 3D printing and/or CNC machining. 

• Ability to make independent decisions, troubleshoot, and repair electrical faults.