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Suas Flight Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RED CAT HOLDINGS

Quality Control Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with sUAS platforms, a deep understanding of ... Provide quality oversight during Flight Operations, including inspections supporting maiden flights ...

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Suas Flight Operator information

What is a sUAS flight operator?

SUAS Flight Operators are professionals responsible for piloting small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS), commonly known as drones, for various purposes such as surveillance, mapping, photography, or inspection. They plan and execute flight missions, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and maintain the operational readiness of the drone equipment. These operators may work in sectors like agriculture, construction, public safety, or the military. Their role often includes pre-flight checks, risk assessments, and post-flight data analysis. Proper certification and training are typically required to operate SUAS commercially or in regulated environments.

What are some common challenges sUAS flight operators face when coordinating unmanned aerial system (UAS) missions with other teams?

Suas Flight Operators often encounter challenges related to communication and coordination with other departments, such as air traffic control, ground crews, and data analysis teams. Ensuring flight schedules do not conflict with manned aircraft operations and adhering to rapidly changing regulations can be complex. Additionally, operators must be proactive in troubleshooting technical issues and adapting to unexpected weather or environmental changes. Developing strong collaborative skills and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations are key to overcoming these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sUAS flight operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a sUAS Flight Operator, you need proficiency in drone piloting, knowledge of airspace regulations, and FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with mission planning software, GPS navigation systems, and data collection tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and effective communication skills help operators manage flight safety, adapt to changing environments, and collaborate with teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring compliance, mission success, and the safe, efficient operation of unmanned aerial systems.

What is the difference between Suas Flight Operator vs Paragliding Instructor?

AspectSuas Flight OperatorParagliding Instructor
Required CertificationsSuas Flight Operator License, pilot certificationParagliding Instructor Certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentAircraft operation, aerial tours, commercial flightsGround and air instruction, training sessions
Employer & IndustryAviation companies, tour operatorsFlying schools, adventure sports companies

Suas Flight Operators and Paragliding Instructors both require pilot certifications and work in aerial environments. However, Suas Flight Operators focus on aircraft operation for commercial purposes, while Paragliding Instructors primarily teach and supervise recreational flying. Both roles involve safety oversight and certification compliance, but their work settings and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Suas Flight Operator jobs in California?

For Suas Flight Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Suas Flight Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Suas Flight Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Suas Flight Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Suas Flight Operator job openings:

Suas Flight Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Suas Flight Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

sUAS Pilot II

Science and Technology Corporation (STC)

Edwards, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary The sUAS Pilot II supports NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flight operations under the Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract. This position provides expert-level piloting and mission support for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in both research and operational environments. The pilot is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting flight missions in compliance with FAA Part 107, NASA AFRC, and Edwards AFB flight safety and airspace control procedures.

The sUAS Pilot II serves as a key member of the UAS flight team, ensuring mission success through technical skill, procedural discipline, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards across multiple UAS platforms and payload configurations. Primary Responsibilities Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for NASA AFRC small UAS missions supporting research, flight test, and field operations. Conduct detailed mission planning and coordination, including airspace analysis, risk assessment, range coordination, and weather evaluation.

Operate and maintain multiple UAS types, including fixed-wing, multirotor, rotorcraft, and turbine systems. Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107, NASA AFRC Flight Operations, and Edwards AFB range requirements. Perform preflight, in-flight, and postflight inspections, ensuring aircraft and payload readiness.

Conduct flight operations in controlled and restricted airspace, coordinating with range control and air traffic management. Support payload integration and flight-test instrumentation, including setup, calibration, and data collection. Maintain flight records, maintenance logs, and operational documentation in accordance with NASA and ETSS procedures.

Support the development and execution of flight-test plans and data-collection missions for research objectives. Participate in safety reviews, risk assessments, and airworthiness evaluations as required by NASA AFRC processes. Assist with training and mentoring of junior UAS operators and ground-crew members.

Provide technical feedback and system improvement recommendations based on flight experience. Work Environment & Schedule On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB). Typical Schedule: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period).

Work may involve outdoor flight operations, varied environmental conditions, and occasional field deployments. May require extended hours or weekend work to support test or flight operations. Key Benefits and Impact Directly support NASA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems research and flight-test missions.

Operate advanced small UAS platforms supporting national research objectives and aerospace development. Collaborate with NASA engineers, flight-test professionals, and airspace authorities to conduct cutting-edge operations. Contribute to the safe integration of UAS technologies into the National Airspace System (NAS).

Support NASA's continued innovation in aerospace research, environmental monitoring, and flight-test technologies.Minimum Qualifications Minimum 15 years of experience piloting remotely controlled and unmanned aircraft systems, including research or flight-test missions. FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and FAA Class III Medical Certificate required. Demonstrated operational proficiency with more than one sUAS type (e.g., fixed-wing, multirotor, rotorcraft, turbine, or hybrid)

Proven ability to conduct flight operations in controlled or restricted airspace and coordinate with air traffic and range control. Comprehensive understanding of UAS mission planning, flight safety, and airspace regulations. Experience in system maintenance, troubleshooting, and configuration management of UAS platforms and payloads.

Ability to maintain accurate mission documentation, maintenance records, and flight logs. Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary, safety-critical environments. U.S

Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience operating within Edwards AFB controlled airspace or other federal flight-test ranges. Experience supporting NASA Armstrong or similar government UAS research operations.

Familiarity with range safety procedures, mission coordination, and restricted-airspace flight operations. Experience with advanced payload integration, including data-acquisition systems, sensors, or imaging payloads. Knowledge of NASA flight documentation processes, configuration control, and AFRC flight operations manuals.

Ability to obtain or maintain DoD flight-line, airfield driving, or range access credentials. Prior experience as an instructor, safety pilot, or team lead in UAS operations is a plus.Minimum Qualifications Minimum 15 years of experience piloting remotely controlled and unmanned aircraft systems, including research or flight-test missions. FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) and FAA Class III Medical Certificate required

Demonstrated operational proficiency with more than one sUAS type (e.g., fixed-wing, multirotor, rotorcraft, turbine, or hybrid). Proven ability to conduct flight operations in controlled or restricted airspace and coordinate with air traffic and range control. Comprehensive understanding of UAS mission planning, flight safety, and airspace regulations

Experience in system maintenance, troubleshooting, and configuration management of UAS platforms and payloads. Ability to maintain accurate mission documentation, maintenance records, and flight logs. Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary, safety-critical environments.

U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience operating within Edwards AFB controlled airspace or other federal flight-test ranges

Experience supporting NASA Armstrong or similar government UAS research operations. Familiarity with range safety procedures, mission coordination, and restricted-airspace flight operations. Experience with advanced payload integration, including data-acquisition systems, sensors, or imaging payloads.

Knowledge of NASA flight documentation processes, configuration control, and AFRC flight operations manuals. Ability to obtain or maintain DoD flight-line, airfield driving, or range access credentials. Prior experience as an instructor, safety pilot, or team lead in UAS operations is a plus.

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