Hylio currently has an opportunity for a Drone Flight Test Technician to join our team in the Richmond (Houston, TX) area. We offer an exciting and fast-paced work environment, tremendous hands-on hardware experience, and competitive compensation. We are a rapidly growing company with clear avenues for career advancement (and higher education degrees are not required).
About Hylio
Hylio develops and manufactures industrial-grade, heavy-lift UAS platforms for agricultural crop spraying (100–300 lb payload capacities). We are one of the only enterprise entities in the United States vertically integrating the development and manufacturing of this specific technology. Check us out at https://www.hyl.io.
Job Summary
As a Drone Flight Test Technician, you will work directly within our production and testing division to validate, troubleshoot, and flight-verify our completed heavy-lift UAS platforms before they are prepped for customer deployment. You will collaborate daily within a tight-knit tech team to ensure hardware performance aligns with manufacturing standards.
This is an active, highly engaging role perfect for individuals who want to work directly with cutting-edge hardware in the field. You will spend significant time outdoors operating large-scale agricultural drones, executing test flights, and troubleshooting system behavior. To keep you sharp and efficient, field flight operations are conducted out of our dedicated, climate-controlled, air-conditioned command containers—meaning you won't just be baking in the sun all day. You will fly the aircraft, execute quick mechanical/electronic fixes when needed, and accurately record and upload critical flight telemetry data for final quality assurance sign-offs.
Responsibilities
· Execute UAS flight testing: Conduct rigorous pre-flight inspections, tethered/free flight operations, and post-flight validation of completed drone systems.
· Troubleshoot & Diagnose: Identify, diagnose, and isolate mechanical, electrical, or software abnormalities discovered during field testing operations.
· Perform Field Repairs: Execute minor component replacements, structural adjustments, and hardware tuning to restore aircraft to absolute flight-ready status.
· Data Logging & Analytics: Systematically record drone performance metrics, analyze flight logs, and upload flight data to our databases for final quality assurance checks.
· Maintain Compliance & Safety: Follow precise technical schematics, testing protocols, and safety manuals to ensure safe, repeatable operations.
Qualifications
· Mechanically inclined with demonstrated experience using small hand tools for electronic or mechanical assemblies.
· Strong attention to detail and the discipline to strictly follow rigorous technical flight testing checklists.
· Computer literacy; proficiency using Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and basic data-upload workflows.
· Excellent attitude, situational awareness, and a willingness to master new technical skills from supervisors.
· No higher education degree required.
· Preferred: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Highly valued, but not an absolute prerequisite).
· Preferred: Professional, academic, or personal experience with UAS platforms, RC flight, or basic avionics.
Benefits
· Competitive Raise structure
· Employer-sponsored healthcare
· Benefit eligibility begins after 90 days
Employment Details & Compensation
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (Consistent, structured hours)
Schedule: 8-hour shift
Work Location: Single physical location – Richmond, TX 77469
Ability to Commute/Relocate: Richmond, TX 77469: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (Required)
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
