Air Operations Specialist

HavocAI

Air Operations Specialist working with military customers to operate small UAS systems. Planning and briefing operations while supporting product development within the Mission Operations team.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $130,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in operating small UAS systems and planning military drone operations, with a strong ability to communicate effectively with military stakeholders and provide actionable feedback to engineering teams. Possesses hands-on experience with open-source autopilot systems and a solid understanding of RF fundamentals and electronics related to UAS.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Military Drone Systems ExperienceOperational Employment TacticsOpen-Source Autopilot SystemsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateGround Control Station Platforms

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

UAS OperationsDrone PlanningAutopilot ConfigurationTroubleshootingFlight Log AnalysisRF FundamentalsBasic ElectronicsTactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)Mission BriefingOperational Test Events

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam CollaborationProblem-SolvingAdaptabilityCustomer Engagement

Tools & Technologies

ArduPilotPX4Mission PlannerQGroundControl

Certifications & Qualifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Industry Keywords

UAS SystemsMilitary OperationsDrone CommunityOperational NeedsMission Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Deploy to live events and exercises to operate small UAS systems, integrate with military units, and ensure mission success in the field.
Plan, coordinate, and brief drone operations to military customers and internal stakeholders, ranging from small teams to senior military leadership.
Support hardware and software development through operational test events and customer demonstrations, providing real-world operator feedback to engineering teams.
Serve as a trusted interface with military customers, understanding operational needs and translating them into actionable inputs for Mission Operations and Product teams.
Identify operational gaps, surface issues, and contribute to refining tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for autonomous systems.
Collaborate across the Mission Operations team, contributing wherever needed to support the mission while maintaining a team-first mindset.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Hands-on experience with military drone systems and operational employment tactics.
Demonstrated experience planning and briefing operations.
Personal passion for small UAS beyond a professional setting, including recreational flying, building or modifying platforms, or active involvement in the drone community.
Hands-on experience with open-source autopilot systems such as ArduPilot, PX4, or equivalent, including configuration, troubleshooting, and tuning.
Familiarity with common ground control station (GCS) platforms such as Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar, including flight log analysis.
Understanding of RF fundamentals, link budget considerations, and basic electronics as they relate to UAS.
Willingness to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if not already certified.
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time, including potential overseas deployments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage in both informal collaboration and formal military briefings.

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
Equity Package
Work / Home Office Stipend
Global Entry
16 Week Paid Parental Leave
Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend