Field Testing Technician (Drone Focus)

Job description

Job Summary We are seeking a highly capable and hands-on Field Testing Technician to support the setup, execution, and teardown of product testing and field operations. This role is critical to ensuring test campaigns are conducted safely, efficiently, and consistently, from initial preparation and equipment integration through field execution and post-test recovery. The ideal candidate is mechanically and technically inclined, comfortable working with complex hardware and test equipment, and able to troubleshoot problems in fast-moving field environments. This position requires adaptability, attention to detail, strong operational discipline, and close collaboration with engineering, operations, and test teams. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors, traveling to remote test locations, and taking ownership of whatever is required to successfully execute a test campaign. Key Responsibilities Support the planning, preparation, setup, execution, and teardown of product test campaigns and field operations. Assemble, install, configure, and operate test equipment, support equipment, instrumentation, and company hardware in accordance with test plans and engineering direction. Perform pre-test inspections, functional checks, and equipment readiness verification. Serve as the primary owner and maintainer of UAS platforms, including maintenance, repair, configuration, and readiness for flight operations Lead the planning and execution of UAS missions, including route planning, pre-flight checks, and payload and platform configuration Install, maintain, and operate air-to-ground communication and command-and-control (C2) links, including radios, antennas, and datalink networks Assist engineers and test leads with troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and system-level issues encountered during test preparation and execution. Operate and maintain field support equipment, hand tools, power tools, test equipment, and other specialized equipment as required. Support the loading, transportation, staging, inventory, and accountability of test articles, tools, equipment, spare parts, and consumables. Execute test procedures and checklists accurately while maintaining clear records of test activities, equipment configuration, anomalies, and results. Identify equipment deficiencies, damaged components, or operational issues and coordinate repairs or corrective actions. Maintain test equipment, vehicles, tools, and field support assets in a safe and mission-ready condition. Assist with site preparation and logistical activities necessary to establish temporary field test locations. Follow company safety procedures and test-site requirements and actively identify and communicate potential hazards. Work effectively with engineering teams in situations where procedures, hardware configurations, or test requirements may be evolving or incomplete. Provide feedback to engineering and operations teams to improve hardware reliability, test procedures, field processes, and future test campaigns. Support multiple test and development programs as company priorities require. Required Qualifications 2+ years of experience in a hands-on technical role involving testing, maintenance, assembly, integration, field operations, or similar work. Working knowledge of basic scripting (Python preferred) to run automated test routines, parse log files, and interface with instruments over USB, serial, or Ethernet Hands-on experience building, configuring, and tuning fixed-wing or multirotor UAS platforms Ability to follow technical procedures, checklists, drawings, diagrams, and written or verbal engineering instructions. Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability with mechanical, electrical, or integrated hardware systems. Comfortable working independently and making sound decisions in dynamic environments with limited supervision. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate documentation and equipment accountability. Excellent communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to work closely with engineers, technicians, operators, and other cross-functional personnel. Ability and willingness to travel regularly to test sites and work extended or non-standard hours during test campaigns when required. Comfortable working outdoors and in remote field environments that may involve heat, cold, dust, wind, uneven terrain, and limited infrastructure. Ability to safely lift, carry, position, and secure equipment associated with field testing activities. Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate company vehicles. Relevant Experience Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, autonomous systems, or other complex hardware testing environments. Experience with ArduPilot, PX4, or similar flight controller firmware and ground control/mission planning software (e.g., Mission Planner, QGroundControl) Understanding of basic electrical system design, including power distribution, battery systems, wiring, and component selection Military test, range, energetics, flight-line, ground-support, or field operations. Developmental testing, qualification testing, acceptance testing, or prototype hardware testing. Mechanical and electrical assembly, integration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. Use of multimeters, data acquisition equipment, sensors, instrumentation, communications equipment, or other electronic test equipment. Vehicle, trailer, generator, battery, power distribution, or other field-support equipment operation and maintenance. Rigging, material handling, equipment transportation, and load securement. Reading mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, test procedures, and technical documentation. Maintaining equipment inventories, test kits, spare parts, tools, and field deployment packages. Operating in remote test ranges or temporary field sites with limited infrastructure. Supporting rapidly evolving prototype hardware where procedures and documentation may still be under development. Experience working in high-tempo environments where safety, reliability, attention to detail, and adaptability are critical. Singularity Defense is a stealth startup based in El Segundo, CA of former SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed applying the SpaceX model to mass produce air defense systems. They’re backed by Gen HR McMaster and just closed out their seed funding round from several major SV firms. Their first product is a low-cost air defense system for immediate deployment around the world starting with Ukraine where the need is critical.