Second In Command Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Join us. Position Title: Senior sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-site / Hybrid, 30-50% travel required and occasional weekend work based on business needs. Position Summary The Senior sUAS Remote Pilot serves as a dual-role operator with integrated responsibilities spanning RPIC authority and full system readiness ownership. The position supports Group 1 through Group 4 UAS platforms across the complete lifecycle of system employment, including research and development, test and evaluation, production validation, and operational deployment. This position will require the RPIC to work in a very dynamic environment across a wide range of sUAS systems. The RPIC will serve in a variety of roles as part of a larger test and operational team and conduct flights across a wide range of locations domestically and internationally. As a Senior Remote Pilot on the team the leadership of other pilots and the organized management of a team is as important as the flight knowledge and skills someone possesses.

This position will not only serve as an RPIC to support testing and development of new systems but also serve as mentor and trainer for newer pilots and be responsible for planning, leading, and executing missions and test plans at the direction of the Test Director and Flight Ops teams. Required Duties and Responsibilities: * Execute Ground Checkout Procedures (GCP) and Acceptance & Test Procedures (ATP) to verify aircraft readiness and system functionality. * Support aircraft build‑up activities for test and demonstration events, ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards. * Conduct preflight, post‑flight, and post‑shipping inspections to confirm aircraft structural integrity, airworthiness, and proper battery charge levels. * Set up and tear down launch and recovery equipment, ensuring correct configuration, operational integrity, and safety‑of‑flight readiness. * Setup, troubleshoot, and resolve complex GCS and network issues during operations and deployments. * Collaborate with flight‑test engineers to identify discrepancies, validate data, and maintain safety‑of‑flight standards. * Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, preventive maintenance, scheduled inspections, and authorized alterations on aircraft and support equipment. * Prepare and maintain maintenance documentation, reports, and flight release authorization forms. * Conduct safe, legal, and compliant flight operations to support the flight test program, as well as for customer facing demonstrations and training events. * Serve as the SME for the conduct of flight operations and the integration of the sUAS systems in development. * Lead, train, mentor, and manage RPICs and contribute to the training and development programs for internal and external needs. Required Skills/Qualifications: * 10-12 years of military/aviation experience with 3-5 years of advanced UAS flight ops with military UAS opeartions preferred. * Strong understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and technical data for unmanned aerial systems with experience both flying and maintaining systems. * Ability to perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. * Experience conducting operational checks, preflight/post flight activities, and system validation tasks. * Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and flight test personnel. * Proficiency in reading and applying technical manuals, engineering drawings, and maintenance procedures. * Strong organizational and documentation skills. The Senior RPIC will be responsible for the development of documentation and training programs as various systems mature and reach full rate development. * Ability to work in dynamic test environments and adapt to shifting operational needs * Ability to conduct safe flight operations in high pressure dynamic environments. * Ability to lead and manage a flight team of 2-4 personnel through complex test events and operation deployments. Preferred Skills/Qualifications: * Experience working with airframes at various stages of development and a strong troubleshooting background. * Experience supporting flight test operations or demonstration events with experience presenting and engaging with clients and customers as well as internal support teams. * Familiarity with GCP, ATP, or other structured test/inspection procedures and the ability to document track systems through various stages of development. * Experience with launch and recovery systems for unmanned aircraft. * Prior work in government contracted aviation or defense environments preferred. * Extensive experience with various Ground Control Station software such as ArduPilot Mission Planner or QGroundControl and various UAS protocols such as MAVLink or UAVCan. * Extensive flight experience across a wide range of environments and mission types. * Military UAS/sUAS training and experience is a plus. * Team leadership and flight team management experience preferred. Education: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Technical school training, military training, or applicable collage education preferred. * Part 107 required, other relevant FAA certifications preferred. Clearance Level Required: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government SECRET clearance as required for the role.

Clearance not required for hiring. Travel Required: 30-50% Working Conditions: The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities. Work performed may be in a harsh climate and often in hazardous situations. While performing the duties of this position, one may regularly be exposed to extreme and austere desert or other environments. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: * Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, and lift a minimum of 35-50 lbs. * Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine. * Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work. Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship. Salary: $100,000- $120,000 Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus.

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus. Benefits: Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE.

DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting. DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. #LI-HYBRID #LI-ONSITE Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000 per year