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Sub-Scale Lead

Spokane, Washington, United States

As the Sub-Scale Lead, you will have dual responsibilities: leading a team of engineers and flight test operations professionals while actively contributing as an individual contributor in both Flight Test Operations and Unmanned System Operations & Integration. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of unmanned systems flight tests, as well as the technical integration and operational readiness of UAS technologies. Your leadership will ensure the success of flight test programs, while your hands-on expertise will directly influence the development, testing, and performance of critical unmanned systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

  • Lead Flight Test & UAS Operations Teams:
    • Lead, mentor, and guide a cross-functional team of engineers and test professionals to execute complex flight test operations and unmanned system integration projects.
    • Manage and prioritize multiple flight test programs, ensuring on-time delivery, adherence to budgets, and alignment with company goals.
    • Oversee the professional development of team members, providing technical guidance, training, and career growth opportunities.
  • Strategic Flight Test Planning & Execution:
    • Develop and drive flight test strategies for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ensuring that objectives align with product development, operational requirements, and regulatory standards.
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for flight test operations, ensuring seamless coordination between flight crews, engineering teams, and stakeholders.
    • Oversee test planning, risk management, and safety assessments to ensure all flight tests are executed in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.

Individual Contributor (IC) Role – Technical Execution:

  • Flight Test Operations:
    • Actively contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of unmanned system flight tests, performing test planning, data collection, and real-time troubleshooting as needed.
    • Coordinate test schedules, manage flight logs, and ensure flight safety protocols are followed during each test event.
    • Collect and analyze flight performance data, generating detailed reports and providing recommendations for improvements or design changes based on test results.
  • Unmanned Systems Integration & Technical Support:
    • Support the integration of unmanned systems into flight operations, working hands-on with hardware and software integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
    • Participate in UAS mission planning, including test objectives, system configurations, and environmental considerations.
    • Lead and contribute to system integration efforts, ensuring all subsystems (e.g., avionics, control systems, communications) work seamlessly during flight testing.
  • Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement:
    • Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in unmanned system flight testing, troubleshooting and resolving complex issues during test operations.
    • Implement continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for optimization in flight test procedures, operational processes, and system integration.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

  • Collaboration with Engineering Teams:
    • Work closely with systems engineers, R&D, and product development teams to ensure flight test requirements are integrated early in the system design phase.
    • Collaborate with flight test, design, and safety teams to analyze test results and adjust future test plans or system specifications as needed.
    • Provide leadership and technical expertise in debriefs, test reviews, and cross-functional team meetings to discuss flight test results, system performance, and operational challenges.
  • Stakeholder Communication:
    • Communicate test results, progress, and challenges to senior leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.
    • Produce detailed reports and presentations summarizing flight test results, system performance, and recommendations for next steps.

Safety & Compliance:

  • Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
    • Ensure that all flight test operations are compliant with aviation regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA) and internal safety standards.
    • Actively monitor and manage flight test risks, ensuring that safety protocols are followed and appropriate mitigations are in place for each flight test scenario.
    • Maintain thorough documentation of all flight test activities, including test planning, safety assessments, and operational reviews.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in flight test operations, unmanned systems integration, or related aerospace fields.
  • Proven leadership experience managing teams and flight test programs.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flight operations and system integration.
  • Experience with both manned and unmanned aircraft systems is a plus.

Technical Skills:

  • Strong understanding of UAS hardware, avionics, control systems, and integration procedures.
  • Proficient in flight test planning and data acquisition.
  • Knowledge of flight test instrumentation, telemetry, and mission planning software.
  • Experience with flight safety protocols, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA Part 107), and unmanned systems-specific standards.

Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of successfully managing technical teams.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities, particularly in flight test and UAS integration contexts.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to balance leadership duties with technical hands-on contributions, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
  • High attention to detail and safety awareness in all aspects of flight test operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with military or commercial UAS systems and programs.
  • Familiarity with advanced UAS control systems, flight management software, and autonomous systems.
  • Experience with mission planning tools, flight simulators, or data analysis software

Compensation Range:

  • $80,000- $100,000 + Equity 

 

Candidates for this position must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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