Remote Director Systems and Flight Testing

Employer
DroneUp
Location
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Posted
Dec 01, 2023
Closes
Dec 02, 2023
Ref
2685632228
Discipline
Engineering, Systems
Position Type
Director
Hours
Full Time
Organization Type
Corporate, Other Corporate
DroneUp, LLC was born out of a vision to make autonomous flight great for communities, great for business, and great for the world. Yet more than visionaries; we have the tools, instruments, focus, and expertise to execute while utilizing a People Matter Most mentality.

Our founder envisioned a massive, untapped opportunity to leverage autonomous flight that would revolutionize how the world may "pitch" and "roll" in the future. To start, we have harnessed the power of airspace technology, analytics platforms, and drone services to transform business operations. Our long-term mission is to be Safe and Be Exceptional while building and deploying the world's most accessible drone ecosystem.

Ranked in the top 25 of LinkedIn Top Startups 2022 , DroneUp is Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia and provides drone delivery service in 34 locations across six states in partnership with the retailer in the world, Walmart, Inc .

In 2022 DroneUp was on the list of " Next Big Things in Tech " but we are more than just invested in the drone ecosystem; we are equally invested in our people and landed successfully as a certified " Great Place to Work " in 2023. Knowing that our mission critical success comes directly from the people we bring onboard, we strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow, and go beyond the normal Field of View! Come fly with us as our team goes through our checklists that will Inspire Fast Action and take an entire industry to new heights. Be a Person Others Want to Follow!

Position Summary

DroneUp is looking for a Director of Systems Testing as part of our Systems Engineering Team. The role will be responsible for planning and managing all aspects of flight and ground testing as part of the development lifecycle of our hardware products. This includes developing and implementing testing strategies and procedures, managing the verification and validation (V&V) team, acting as a liaison and reporting status to senior leadership, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. A primary focus will be on FAA-compatible flight testing procedures to ensure overall safety and compliance with our certification program.

Responsibilities
  • Lead Systems Testing Efforts: Develop, implement, and oversee independent testing strategies and procedures for the full product lifecycle, ensuring quality, reliability, and compliance with appropriate applicable standards.
  • Manage Testing Team: Mentor and lead verification and validation staff, including test pilots, managers, and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring safe operations as our guiding principle.
  • Develop test plans and own safety approvals in accordance with DroneUps Safety Management System based on FAA Order 8040.6A - Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety Risk Management (SRM) Policy
  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with internal safety and compliance teams to ensure all products meet or exceed legal and industry standards, including FAA regulations (ref. FAA Order 8040.6A
  • Serve as liaison between different engineering groups and senior leadership at DroneUp. Work closely with Airspace Innovation, product management, systems engineering, software engineering, operations, and other departments to ensure testing strategies and procedures align with overall business goals.
  • Oversee budgeting, planning, and allocation of resources for testing efforts ensuring optimal utilization and efficiency.
  • Oversee Test Data Analysis: Organize, review, and analyze test data, and test results, providing insights, and recommendations for product improvements and risk mitigation.
  • Support Continuous Improvement: Monitor industry trends and best practices in testing methodologies, incorporating new techniques and technologies to maintain a leading edge in the field.
  • Improve the DroneUp end-to-end experience, working closely with the engineers to identify and close major issues
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Masters degree preferred.
  • Graduate from a Test Pilot School
  • Minimum of 8 years in the role of Flight Test Engineer, preferably with a significant portion in leadership roles
  • Proven expertise in UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) flight testing is essential, or relevant experience in commercial aviation, general aviation, or defense sectors is also considered applicable.
  • Advanced mechanical and electrical system knowledge
  • Highly analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with data analysis tools and software commonly used in flight testing.
  • Experience testing diverse and complex electro-mechanical systems and products
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Detail-oriented communication and documentation skills
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.

Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Basic & Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Legal Services
  • Identity Protection
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holiday)
Salary:
Just like drones themselves, your earning potential can soar to new heights, but it largely depends on your qualifications and expertise. If you are recognized as an industry expert, your earning potential can take true flight. The target salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000. Your unique qualifications and contributions to the field will play a significant role in determining your precise compensation. The total rewards for this position may also include; potential for annual bonuses, benefits package, paid time off, and more.

$150,000 - $180,000

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

DroneUp is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals, regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, disability or other protected characteristics. DroneUp subscribes to the equal employment opportunity requirements of applicable law. It is the policy of DroneUp to ensure equal opportunity to all employees and applicants in all employment matters, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, training, promotion, and separation. In these and all activities, DroneUp does not discriminate against any qualified individual because of sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity disability, handicap, liability for service in the United States Armed Forces, veteran status, and/or any other legally protected characteristic.

Any individual who feels that he or she may have been discriminated against in violation of this policy is strongly encouraged to immediately contact his or her supervisor or any member of DroneUp management. Any member of DroneUp management who is notified of alleged discrimination is required to immediately report the incident to the HR Department.

DroneUp will thoroughly investigate all such claims with due regard for the privacy of the individuals involved. Any employee who knowingly retaliates against an employee who has reported workplace discrimination will be subject to immediate corrective action, up to and potentially including termination of employment.

Security Responsibility Statement : Employees are expected to provide a high level of security to any personal or private information accessed as part of their work, whether at a DroneUp facility or remotely. This includes participating in security training, remaining sensitive to individual rights to personal privacy, and complying with company policies. Employees who have access to sensitive data that is protected by regulation, such as HIPAA, or by contract, such as credit card data, must comply with any additional requirements dictated by the governing regulations or associated contracts.