Senior Tactical UAS Test Pilot

Job Summary:T3i builds mission-critical unmanned systems designed to improve U.S. forces' operational effectiveness and battlefield lethality. Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, survivability, and rapid deployment in demanding operational environments.We operate in tight feedback loops between design, build, test, and field use, where every flight directly informs the next iteration of the platform. We are a small, fast-moving team that values ownership, technical depth, execution, and mission focus.We are seeking a Senior Tactical UAS Test Pilot to lead flight test and development operations for the Blackfoot platform. This role is critical to ensuring the platform is safe, effective, and ready for operational deployment. The ideal candidate combines exceptional FPV flight proficiency with disciplined flight-test methodology and a builder mindset.This individual will serve as the primary pilot voice within the development cycle—planning and executing flight tests, identifying issues, analyzing flight data, and working directly with engineering teams to improve aircraft performance and reliability.Position Summary:The Senior Tactical UAS Test Pilot will own the planning, execution, reporting, and safety posture of developmental flight operations supporting the Blackfoot platform. This role emphasizes hands-on flying, structured test execution, anomaly investigation, telemetry analysis, and rapid iteration alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.The ideal candidate is equally comfortable flying developmental airframes in demanding environments, reviewing logs and telemetry to diagnose issues, coordinating field operations, and communicating actionable engineering feedback.This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments where aircraft configurations evolve rapidly and operational feedback directly shapes the product.Primary Responsibilities:Plan, brief, execute, and debrief developmental flight test sorties on Blackfoot airframesAuthor test cards, flight test plans, risk assessments, and test reports aligned with program milestonesServe as Pilot in Command (PIC) during developmental, qualification, acceptance, and demonstration flightsConduct structured envelope expansion across speed, range, altitude, endurance, payload, and environmental conditionsSafely operate FPV and BVLOS flight modes under varied lighting, weather, terrain, and RF conditionsCoordinate flight operations including airspace deconfliction, range safety, chase/safety pilot operations, and ground crew activitiesCapture, review, and triage telemetry, flight logs, onboard video, and pilot observations to support engineering root-cause analysisIdentify handling qualities, stability, control, propulsion, RF, and performance issues and translate them into actionable engineering feedbackSupport troubleshooting, regression testing, and validation of hardware, software, autonomy, RF, and payload changesTrack test results, anomalies, and corrective actions through established reporting and issue-management workflowsMaintain airworthiness and configuration control of developmental test articlesPerform pre-flight inspections, field repairs, tuning, and troubleshooting of FPV systems as requiredMaintain currency on all relevant FAA regulations (Part 107, COA, LAANC) and applicable DoD range proceduresSupport customer demonstrations, training events, and operational field exercises as requiredContribute to the development of T3i flight test SOPs, safety processes, pilot standards, and training pipelinesOperate safely and effectively in outdoor field environments, including extended standing, lifting/carrying equipment, and working in adverse weather conditionsRequired Qualifications:5+ years of hands-on UAS flight operations experienceCurrent FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateExceptional proficiency flying FPV / acro-mode multirotor platforms in demanding environmentsDocumented flight hours on tactical, racing, freestyle, or developmental FPV airframesExperience executing structured flight test activities including test cards, build-up methodology, risk management, and anomaly investigationWorking knowledge of common UAS autopilots and ground control systems including Betaflight, INAV, ArduPilot, PX4, ELRS, and CrossfireExperience reviewing telemetry, blackbox logs, DVR footage, and flight data to diagnose vehicle behavior and performance issuesHands-on experience building, configuring, tuning, repairing, and maintaining FPV airframesAbility to communicate technical flight observations clearly and concisely to engineering teamsAbility to operate independently and take ownership of flight-test execution and safetyComfortable working in an iterative R&D environment with rapidly changing aircraft configurations and prioritiesU.S. Person status required to support ITAR-controlled programsPreferred Qualifications:Prior military, government, or defense-contractor flight test experience on UAS platformsExperience flying tactical FPV systems in operational or advanced training environmentsExperience operating UAS in GPS-denied, contested, or EW-affected RF environmentsExperience supporting payload integration for ISR, EW, communications, or autonomous systemsExperience coordinating with DoD test ranges, restricted airspace, COAs, or military customersFormal flight test training (USNTPS, USAF TPS, NTPS, ITPS, or equivalent)Manned aircraft flight experience (Private Pilot Certificate or higher)Experience supporting autonomy development, RF testing, or advanced flight-control tuningExperience working in fast-paced defense or dual-use technology environmentsWhy Join T3i?Direct impact on systems supporting U.S. military capabilitySmall, highly technical team with rapid decision-making and executionOpportunity to shape next-generation tactical FPV platforms from prototype through operational deploymentHigh level of ownership and autonomyExposure to advanced autonomy, RF, payload, and tactical UAS development effortsType of Employment: Part-Time (20–30 hours/week initially, with strong potential to transition to full-time)Travel: Up to 25% travel to test ranges, customer demonstrations, and field exercisesCompensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience and qualificationsClearance Requirements: Desire and ability to obtain a Secret clearanceRequired Background Check: HireRight background check & drug screeningT3i Drug Free Workplace Statement:As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.