> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1948621-senior-technician-unmanned-system-test-operator-r5413](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1948621-senior-technician-unmanned-system-test-operator-r5413). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Technician, Unmanned System Test Operator (R5413) - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, System Configuration, System Testing, SC Clearance - **Published:** August 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9079233/senior-technician-unmanned-system-test-operator-r5413 ## About the Role * 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial, or operational environments. * Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, ground control stations, communications systems, and payload integration. * Experience developing, implementing, and executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational processes. * Working knowledge of FAA regulations, National Airspace System (NAS) operations, airspace coordination, and flight authorization requirements. * Experience conducting flight operations in dynamic and complex test environments. * Strong organizational, communication, and mission planning skills. * Ability to coordinate effectively with software, systems, safety, and flight operations personnel. * FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent UAS operational experience. * Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required., * Experience supporting autonomy, AI-enabled systems, or developmental flight test programs, particularly with multi-aircraft or distributed UAS operations. * Fabrication experience with design, build of mechanical and electrical systems * Familiarity with standard control and autopilot elements such as QGC, Mission Planner, Ardupilot, Px4 * Military UAS operations or test experience. ## Description The HMS UAS Operations Technician is responsible for the execution of surrogate flight test operations supporting the Hivemind portfolio. This role conducts day-to-day flight activities, aircraft preparation, system configuration, field operations, and operational support for autonomy testing. The HMS UAS Operations Technician serves as the primary operator and technical lead for Group 1/2 UAS test assets, ensuring aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and supporting equipment are mission-ready and operated in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards. This position works closely with software, systems, and flight operations teams to support the integration, validation, and operational assessment of autonomy capabilities in laboratory, ground, and flight environments. What you'll do: * Operate flight test platforms in support of daily fly-fix-fly verification activities * Serve as a primary operator for Group 1/2 UAS platforms during developmental and operational testing. * Configure, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft, payloads, autopilot systems, and ground control stations. * Coordinate aircraft readiness, pre-flight inspections, launch and recovery operations, and post-flight maintenance activities. * Execute operational test procedures and mission plans while ensuring compliance with established safety and operational requirements. * Support development, refinement, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and operational best practices. * Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, airspace requirements, range procedures, and company flight operations standards. * Assist in flight planning, airspace coordination, mission scheduling, and operational risk assessments. ## Related Videos - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Enterprise Linux as Container Images](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1610-enterprise-linux-as-container-images) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) - [Beyond Chat: AI Workflows That Actually Investigate Alerts (So You Don't Have To Know Everything)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100308-beyond-chat-ai-workflows-that-actually-investigate-alerts-so-you-don-t-have-to-know-everything) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Dev Digest 132 - Binging WADFlix?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/473-dev-digest-132-binging-wadflix) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Trustworthy AI Starts at Deployment: 5 Checks Before You Ship](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/753-trustworthy-ai-starts-at-deployment-5-checks-before-you-ship)