Demo Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

We are looking for an Uncrewed Systems Specialist to join our incredible team!

The Uncrewed Systems Specialist will provide technical, piloting, and sales support. This individual serves as the initial point of contact for users encountering issues with UAS hardware, software, or operations. In addition to providing prompt technical support and ensuring smooth system performance, this role also supports live demonstrations as a drone pilot, showcasing system capabilities to customers and stakeholders. The position plays a key role in business development efforts, assisting with customer engagement, product demonstrations, and supporting growth initiatives within the uncrewed systems market.

About W.S. Darley & Co: Founded in 1908, W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) remains a family owned and operated business, supplying the highest quality equipment solutions to its military and first responder customers. With origins in the equipment distribution and Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a family of leading innovate emergency equipment brands and innovative solutions. Darley prides itself on delivering the highest quality solutions and services from its corporate headquarters in Itasca, IL and its' ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing operations in Chippewa Falls, WI and Janesville, IA.

Requirements

1. Troubleshooting & Operational Support

• Diagnose and resolve common UAS hardware, software, and integration issues to ensure mission readiness
• Provide timely technical support while maintaining a strong customer-facing presence during operational use
• Serve as a drone demo pilot, conducting live flight demonstrations to showcase UAS capabilities to prospective customers

2. Sales & Business Development

• Partner with Sales and Business Development teams to drive customer engagement and support revenue growth initiatives
• Translate technical product capabilities into clear, mission-focused value propositions for customers
• Collaborate internally to develop tailored UAS solutions aligned with customer requirements
• Support responses to RFPs, RFIs, and government procurements, contributing detailed technical input
• Actively participate in tradeshows, customer demos, and field events, representing the company and promoting product offerings
• Assist with pipeline development, customer follow-ups, and opportunity advancement

3. Pre-Shipping Quality & Demo Readiness

• Perform QA checks on UAS platforms, payloads, and software before shipment or demo deployment
• Maintain all systems with current firmware and configurations to ensure demo and delivery readiness

4. Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Document customer interactions, issues, and resolutions in ticketing systems
• Develop and maintain internal knowledge bases and technical documentation
• Assist in creating and updating SOPs for support, demo operations, and customer engagement

5. Escalation & Coordination

• Escalate complex technical issues to Level 2/3 support while maintaining communication with customers
• Track and follow up on escalated issues to ensure resolution and strong customer experience

6. Customer Engagement & Field Support

• Communicate effectively with customers, providing clear technical guidance and support
• Lead and support live demonstrations as a pilot, ensuring safe, effective, and compelling presentations
• Engage customers to understand operational challenges and recommend optimized UAS solutions
• Follow up post-engagement to ensure satisfaction and gather feedback to support future sales efforts

7. Demo Fleet & Asset Management

• Maintain demo fleet systems in fully operational, flight-ready condition
• Track and manage all assigned UAS assets using asset management systems

8. Company Representation

• Represent the company professionally at customer sites, demos, and events
• Clearly communicate the value, differentiators, and mission impact of solutions

Supervisory Responsibility

This position currently has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses company standard office equipment such as computers and cell phones. There may be a need to work with various small tools. There may be a need for remote work in the field for hands-on assistance and maintenance. The employee will be required to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer keyboard, use hand tools, and occasionally lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to push or pull carts weighing more than 70lbs.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel

This is a full-time, entry-level position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as otherwise required. 

Education

While not strictly required, a bachelor's degree in a technical field is often preferred. 

Preferred Technical Knowledge

A deep understanding of drone workings, components, systems, and software

Familiarity with UAS operations (a plus) - understanding drone operation, regulations, and terminology

Experience

• 1-4 years in sales and/or uncrewed industry or similar
• Part 107 Certification is preferred, but not required
• Customer support/success or similar experience

Skills

• Communication Skills- excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effectively conveying technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Interpersonal Skills- building a rapport and trust with clients is vital for successful interactions
• Problem-Solving Skills- ability to analyze and resolve technical problems efficiently and effectively
• Presentation Skills- ability to deliver clear and compelling presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences is essential
• Technical Proficiency- a strong understanding of UAS technology and related products and software
• Project Management Skills- manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail- meticulousness in documenting issues, solutions, and procedures accurately
• Teamwork- work closely with sales teams, product development teams, and stakeholders, requiring strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Adaptability- ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies and customer needs
• Customer Focus- a strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs is crucial for success

Benefits

• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Reimbursement
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability
• HSA with Darley contribution
• FSA
• 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing
• Darley paid life insurance

Compensation

$55,000 to $65,000

AAP/EEO Statement

Darley is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law