UAS Test Pilot
Byron, CA
Flight Test /
Full-time /
On-site
At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft systems to change the way the world moves goods. Transporting cargo by air is faster and more efficient than by land or sea, but before recent technological and regulatory developments, it was prohibitively expensive. Today, we’re able to expand middle-mile logistics possibilities across multiple sectors. The commercial express shipping industry spends $140B annually on the middle-mile and needs faster, better solutions - while the armed forces are increasingly prioritizing unmanned aerial cargo delivery systems.
These partners and customers are already responding enthusiastically to the technologies we are pioneering. As we develop and deploy these systems, we are looking for people like you: motivated collaborators, excited by our mission and by the rare opportunity to improve how logistics works around the world. You will play an important role in establishing Elroy Air as the industry standard in this massive market.
Diverse perspectives at all levels are critical to innovation and employee development. We encourage our team to bring their whole selves to Elroy. This includes but is not limited to gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, ability, parenthood status, veteran status, educational background, citizenship status, or any combination of these characteristics.
As a UAS Test Pilot, you will contribute to the team responsible for flight testing our aircraft. You are excited at the prospect of working out in the field 4-5 days per week, building time and cycles on a novel aircraft system. You have a demonstrable passion for aviation in model aircraft, UAS, and/or crewed flight. This role requires a solid foundation of the basic principles of how aircraft fly (fixed wing and rotorcraft) and their subsystems.
This is an on-site, full-time, exempt role based out of our flight test facility in Byron, CA which will require occasional travel to our South San Francisco headquarters.
What you’ll own:
- Regularly participating in flight operation as safety pilot for our proof-of-concept aircraft
- Organizing and leading the execution of flight tests, flight readiness reviews, and flight debriefs
- Developing and maintaining flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles and participating in the development of company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
- Perform flight test engineering duties including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
- Organizing and leading flight test operations planning, logistics, and coordination with the appropriate airspace management authority for the test range
- Providing operational feedback for the development and validation of aircraft CONOPs
Our Ideal Candidate:
- At least 3-5 years participating directly in flight test operations, with at least 50 hours experience with experimental or certification intent vehicles as primary test pilot
- Fixed Wing (Part 61) and/or Rotorcraft (Part 141) certificate(s)
- Intimate knowledge of General Operating and Flight Rules (14 CFR Part 91)
- High proficiency in RC fixed wing, helicopter, and multirotor piloting
- Experience operating new systems in a R&D environment
- Able to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and goals
- Able to communicate clearly even under high pressure situations
- Maintain focus during extended flight operations
- Comfortable working in an outdoor environment, multiple days a week, where you may be exposed to rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold
- Ability to travel and be deployed on projects domestic and international as needed
Bonus Points For:
- Long-course graduate of a recognized test pilot school
- FAA ATP License & CFIIFAA
- Commercial Pilot License and Instrument Rating
- Current FAA Class II Medical
- Familiarity with FAR part 135
- Flight test DER qualification
- Experience with electric or hybrid electric aircraft
- Basic mechanical and electrical integration skills
- Background in risk analysis and mitigation
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive pay + generous equity package
- Comprehensive options for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Company-sponsored long and short term disability coverage
- Retirement planning: 401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA
- 3 months of fully paid parental leave
- Highly flexible time off policy- that we actually want you to use!
- Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 support
- A kind, diverse, and highly skilled team
- Flexible work arrangements (we understand you have a personal life)
Elroy Air's compensation package includes market competitive salary, equity for all full time roles, and great benefits. If you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, our expected cash compensation for this role is $140,000 - $190,000. We are hiring for multiple levels and backgrounds so final offers may vary from the amounts listed based on experience, expertise, and other factors.
We encourage you to apply even if you aren't an exact match for our open role as many of our team members come from nontraditional backgrounds.
All employees will be screened through E-Verify.
This position will require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Please note that any offer for employment will be conditioned on any required authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position.
Elroy Air does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters that we do not have a written agreement with and all employment activities are managed through our People & Places team. We reserve the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes received without being responsible for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes.
