DRONE PILOT
Company
Birdstop, Inc. is an American drone technology company based in Detroit. Made possible by its recent breakthroughs in regulatory approvals and AI systems, Birdstop drones can operate continuously in a fully automated mode without personnel onsite. Birdstop systems actively serve our nation's critical infrastructure and public safety organizations with rapid response capabilities.
Role
We’re looking for a hands-on Drone Pilot to join our team and play a key role in testing, maintaining, and improving our fleet of newly manufactured drones. This role combines flight operations with technical troubleshooting and repair, ensuring every drone meets our quality, safety, and performance standards before deployment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct regular test flights of newly manufactured or repaired drones to verify performance and reliability.
- Work closely with engineering and production teams to identify, document, and troubleshoot issues during flight testing.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and repairs on drones and related equipment (motors, sensors, gimbals, payloads, etc.).
- Maintain detailed flight logs, test results, and maintenance records.
- Ensure safe and compliant flight operations in accordance with company policies and FAA/CAA regulations.
- Perform soldering of electronic components including PCBs, wires, and connectors if required
- Assist in firmware updates, component replacements, and sensor calibrations.
- Support the R&D team in integrating and validating new drone features or hardware updates.
- Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate with procurement for replacements
- Provide feedback to design and manufacturing teams to improve product reliability and flight performance.
- Set up and maintain test benches to validate drone subsystems and components
Basic Requirements
- Proven experience as a Drone Pilot with hands-on flight and troubleshooting experience.
- FAA Part 107 certification.
- Strong understanding of UAV systems, including motors, ESCs, flight controllers, batteries, and payloads.
- Familiarity with drone assembly, calibration and repair tools.
- Ability to read and follow technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and schematics
- Experience with soldering and basic electronics assembly
- Work authorization in the United States (no visa sponsorship available).
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Preferred Requirements
- Experience building, maintaining, or flying drones (quads, fixed-wing, VTOL, etc.)
- Familiarity with drone flight software (e.g., QGC, Mission Planner, ArduPilot, PX4)
- Experience with battery safety and handling (e.g., LiPo, Li-ion packs)
- Experience with functional testing and validation of mechanical/electrical systems
- 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, ideally in electronics, drones, robotics, or aerospace sectors.
What we offer
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge drone technology and contribute to real-world innovation.
- Fast-paced, high-responsibility environment with the ability to directly impact product quality and company success.
- Competitive salary.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Work Location: In person
