Flight Operations Test Manager

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

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). 

Salary Range: $ 98,431 - $133,000

The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors, including but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity, as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees' total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$98,432 - $139,650

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required