Flight Test Operator - Data Collector - 12 Month Contract

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States - Full-time

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users. From utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond.

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Flight Test Operator to join Skydio’s data collection and flight testing team. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting drone flight operations across a wide variety of environments and scenarios to gather the critical data that powers Skydio’s cutting-edge autonomy and AI systems.

Logistics:

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, this position involves significant travel to different locations around U.S. and abroad ~(95% of the time will be traveling) where you will execute structured flight missions, capture sensor and telemetry data, and contribute to test campaigns that enable continuous improvement of Skydio’s products.

This is an hourly non-exempt position with a 12 Month Contract

Responsibilities:

• Safely operate Skydio drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, forested, etc.) to collect data for product development and validation.

• Execute structured flight test plans, including repeatable scripted scenarios and exploratory flights.

• Collect, label, and manage high volumes of sensor, imagery, and telemetry data.

• Provide clear, detailed feedback on test results, anomalies, and environmental factors.

• Collaborate with Skydio’s engineering and autonomy teams to align on data needs, test objectives, and operational constraints.

• Maintain equipment, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and ensure readiness for upcoming data collection campaigns.

• Travel required 100% of the time to conduct data collection at various sites, test ranges, and field environments.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

  • Quarterly Travel to HQ (San Mateo, CA) for Together Weeks

  • Proven experience operating drones in real-world environments.

  • Strong situational awareness and commitment to safe flight practices.

  • Ability to follow structured procedures while adapting to changing field conditions.

  • Flexibility and willingness to travel extensively across the U.S. and abroad

  • Strong communication and documentation skills.

• Preferred:
  

  • Background in aviation, robotics, or field data collection.

  • Experience with UAV flight testing, logging, or technical data capture.

  • Familiarity with Skydio platforms or other advanced autonomous drone systems.

  • Technical proficiency with computers, sensors, and troubleshooting.

Compensation:

This is a fixed term position with a limited duration as outlined in the job description. The hourly wage range for this position is $30-$40 per hour. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, geographic location and experience. Fixed Term employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s group health insurance plans after fulfilling tenure and waiting period requirements, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/