Crew Chief - Flight Test

We are seeking an experienced Crew Chief to provide maintenance support for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other related DoD based projects. Zone 5 maintains a weekly flight test cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo, CA area. In addition, there will be occasional flight test demonstration events at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support. Flight maintenance requires significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions.

Key Responsibility

Aircraft Servicing

Perform routine pre-flight and post-flight inspections, fueling, Flight Control Rigging, and servicing tasks to ensure aircraft are safe and mission-ready.

Packout Support

Prepare and transport test equipment, spares, and tools required for flight test operations, both on-site and at remote locations.

Vehicle Maintenance

Conduct basic maintenance and servicing of support vehicles to ensure reliable ground transportation during test activities.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ground support systems (Aircraft support equipment, towing equipment, etc.) critical to test operations.

Camera Equipment Setup & Maintenance

Install, configure, and maintain airborne and ground-based camera systems used for flight test data capture.

Weight & Balance

Assist with aircraft weight and balance calculations, ensuring proper loading for safe and compliant flight operations.

Trailer Loading & Weight Distribution

Apply proper load distribution practices to trailers during pack out and transport, maintaining safety, balance, and compliance with road regulations.

Prepare and execute ground and flight test operations for unmanned aircraft systems, including pre-flight and post-flight inspections.

Support integration of avionics, propulsion, payloads, and autonomy systems onto UAV platforms.

Operate ground control stations (GCS) and monitor flight telemetry during test missions under engineer or pilot supervision.

Perform troubleshooting, corrective maintenance, and hardware swaps during rapid test cycles.

Qualifications

Required:

Associate’s degree in Aerospace, Avionics, Electrical, or Mechanical Technology, or equivalent hands-on training, or A&P Mechanic’s License

3+ years of experience in UAV operations, Military or General Aviation aircraft service, maintenance, or defense flight test environments,

Knowledge of aircraft subsystems: avionics, flight controls, telemetry, propulsion.

Familiarity with flight line operations and ground support equipment (GSE).

Ability to read and interpret basic wiring diagrams, schematics, and test documentation.

Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs and working in outdoor field test conditions.

Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%

Preferred:

Experience supporting DoD UAV platforms or autonomous aircraft.

Knowledge of data acquisition and telemetry systems.

Pay range for this role

$80,000—$115,000 USD