Drone Operator / ArduPilot Engineer

We’re recruiting a Drone Operator / PX4 Engineer who can build aircraft, modify and compile PX4, ArduPilot, plan autonomous missions, fly tests, and troubleshoot aircraft in the field.

This is a hands-on, full-time role based in Minden, Nevada, with frequent testing throughout the U.S.

Location: Minden, Nevada — full-time, in-person, relocation assisted.
Travel: Frequent field testing and demonstrations throughout the U.S.

Compensation: 100-120K/year + up to 1% equity (100M Valuation) + all food and necessary tools required all covered.

This is a hands-on technical and flight role involving drone construction, PX4, ArduPilot development, autonomous mission planning, field repairs, and live testing. You’ll own the drone fleet from airframe and firmware through flight operations and post-flight data.

Responsibilities

• Build, wire, solder, repair, and maintain drones

• Configure and tune flight controllers using ArduPilot and Mission Planner

• Modify, compile, and flash PX4 and ArduPilot source code for custom flight behaviors

• Plan and execute repeatable autonomous flight missions

• Serve as Pilot in Command during field tests and customer demonstrations

• Manage batteries, radios, ground stations, parts, and field equipment

• Troubleshoot and repair aircraft in the field

• Analyze flight logs and provide test data to engineers

• Travel to testing locations throughout the U.S.

Requirements

• Advanced PX4 ArduPilot and Mission Planner experience

• Ability to read, modify, compile, and flash the ArduPilot codebase

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

• Experience building drones from bare frames

• Strong soldering, wiring, ESC, motor, power, and RF knowledge

• Expert manual and autonomous flight experience

• Strong field troubleshooting and repair skills

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR requirements

Preferred Experience

• INAV, Betaflight, Python, C++, FPV, fixed-wing aircraft, and previous military or commercial UAS operations experience.