Uas Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a capable and motivated UAS Program Pilot Technician to join our Field Operations and Sustainment team. This is a single-person role responsible for fleet readiness, shop organization, mission support, aircraft maintenance, and field deployment support across a mixed fleet of COTS and custom UAS platforms.

This role supports DJI, Autel, and other COTS drones, custom rotary-wing Class 1–3 aircraft running ArduPilot firmware, and fixed-wing Class 1–2 aircraft running ArduPilot firmware. The ideal candidate brings strong piloting and technician skills, is comfortable operating independently, and can support the full life cycle of drone systems from bench integration and repair to flight testing and field operations. In addition to core UAS responsibilities, this role may also support field operations as a Field Service Representative (FSR) for deployed Epirus systems.

• Operate, configure, and pilot a diverse fleet of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in manual, assisted, and autonomous modes for testing, training, and field operations, including mission planning and aircraft configuration using UGCS, Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, and DJI software tools.
• Build, repair, and modify UAS airframes (payload integrations, wiring, harnesses, connectors, power systems, and support equipment), including performing diagnostics, fault isolation, bench testing, soldering, component replacement, wire‑harness fabrication, and return‑to‑service verification.
• Configure, tune, and troubleshoot COTS and Pixhawk/Cube‑class flight controllers, ESCs, RF links, and telemetry systems, while maintaining fleet readiness through inspections, preventive maintenance, firmware updates, parameter management, configuration control, and accurate maintenance records.
• Organize and maintain the UAS shop, including tools, spares, batteries, chargers, radios, support equipment, and overall workspace readiness.
• Support flight test setup, data collection, deployment preparation, and continuous improvement of procedures, checklists, and technical documentation.
• Support and troubleshoot control, RF, and telemetry systems including TBS, ELRS, FrSky, RadioMaster TX/RX, RFD900, DragonLink, and Kahuna WiFi modules.
• Additional Field Support responsibilities as required:
• Travel domestically or overseas on short notice for field deployments, including hazardous duty locations, for 90–120-day durations as mission needs require, to perform technical inspections, system checks, fault diagnosis, Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) replacement, testing, and restoration of HPM-CUAS systems to full functionality.
• Work with the training and enablement team to help develop and deliver training on the proper care, use, maintenance, and preventive maintenance of systems.
• Maintain readiness kits, spares, and tools necessary for field deployments and represent Epirus professionally during high-visibility events with government and defense partners.

• 4+ years of experience in UAS operations, maintenance, flight testing, or engineering integration roles.
• Demonstrated ability to pilot multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft and support autonomous flight operations.
• Hands-on experience with ArduPilot and strong working knowledge of PX4, Betaflight, or related autopilot ecosystems.
• Strong familiarity with UAS command and control architectures, RF links, GPS/telemetry systems, and field troubleshooting.
• Practical electronics skillset including soldering, harness building, connector repair, diagnostics, and component-level replacement.
• Ability to independently manage fleet upkeep, shop order, maintenance priorities, and day-to-day readiness for a one-person program support role.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including short-notice deployments to military ranges, test sites, or operational locations.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience supporting defense, field test, or government-sponsored UAS demonstrations and deployments.
• Familiarity with counter-UAS technologies, RF systems, directed energy effects, or broader C2 integration environments.
• Experience training operators or maintainers and working independently in high-tempo, dynamic environments with minimal oversight.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.  

At Epirus, you'll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, "impossible" is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.