Drone Operations Crew Member (Pilot in Training)

Pitch Aeronautics installs WireWarrior weather sensors on live utility transmission lines with Astria, our custom heavy-lift install drone. We are growing rapidly, and we need more people in the field. You'll join our Drone Ops team as a crew member: preparing aircraft and equipment, supporting ground operations, and supporting the pilot during installs and test flights. Along the way, you'll follow a training path toward flying Astria yourself. Field work is weather and customer driven, so expect multi-day trips and long days when the weather window is open.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ground crew and visual observer during sensor installs and test flights: run checklists, manage comms, and keep the site safe.
• Prepare aircraft, batteries, payloads, and sensors before deployments, and inspect and log maintenance after flights.
• Set up and run the ground control station: QGroundControl, Mission Planner, telemetry radios, and GNSS tools.
• Pull flight logs after each flight and upload them for engineering review.
• Pack, transport, and set up field equipment, including the truck and trailer.
• Support site surveys, airspace checks, and weather go/no-go calls with the Drone Ops PM.
• Support test-stand runs and test flights in Boise as aircraft and control software change.
• Follow FAA Part 107 rules, Pitch’s internal safety rules, and each utility customer's UAS work requirements.
• Document field issues and feed them back to engineering quickly.
• Progress through our pilot training plan toward pilot-in-command on Astria.

Minimum Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or able to earn it within 90 days of hire.
• Willing and able to travel frequently for multi-day to multi-week field deployments, including long field days outdoors in variable weather.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record; comfortable towing a trailer.
• Mechanical aptitude and the discipline to follow checklists every time.
• Physically able to carry equipment and work outdoors on uneven terrain.
• Clear, calm communication, especially when things don't go to plan.

Desired Qualifications

• Drone flying experience: commercial, military UAS, or hobby FPV.
• Aviation background: pilot certificate, aircrew, or aircraft maintenance.
• Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot and QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
• Field experience around energized equipment: utility, lineman, or electrical construction.
• Basic electronics and soldering for field repairs.

Benefits

• 120 hrs of paid time off
• Additional PTO benefits for field deployments
• Field deployment PTO accrual for install travel
• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule

In accordance with federal requirements and regulations, Pitch Aeronautics does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.