Director, Systems Testing

DroneUp, LLC was born out of a vision to make autonomous flight great for communities, great for business, and great for the world. Yet more than visionaries; we have the tools, instruments, focus, and expertise to execute while utilizing a “People Matter Most” mentality.

Our founder envisioned a massive, untapped opportunity to leverage autonomous flight that would revolutionize how the world may "pitch" and "roll" in the future. To start, we have harnessed the power of airspace technology, analytics platforms, and drone services to transform business operations. Our long-term mission is to be “Safe and Be Exceptional” while building and deploying the world's most accessible drone ecosystem.

Ranked in the top 25 of LinkedIn Top Startups 2022, DroneUp is Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia and provides drone delivery service in 34 locations across six states in partnership with the #1 retailer in the world, Walmart, Inc. 

In 2022 DroneUp was on the list of "Next Big Things in Tech" but we are more than just invested in the drone ecosystem; we are equally invested in our people and landed successfully as a certified "Great Place to Work" in 2023. Knowing that our mission critical success comes directly from the people we bring onboard, we strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow, and go beyond the normal Field of View! Come fly with us as our team goes through our checklists that will “Inspire Fast Action” and take an entire industry to new heights. “Be a Person Others Want to Follow!”

Position Summary

DroneUp is looking for a Director of Systems Testing as part of our Systems Engineering Team. The role will be responsible for planning and managing all aspects of flight and ground testing as part of the development lifecycle of our hardware products. This includes developing and implementing testing strategies and procedures, managing the verification and validation (V&V) team, acting as a liaison and reporting status to senior leadership, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. A primary focus will be on FAA-compatible flight testing procedures to ensure overall safety and compliance with our certification program.

Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Testing Efforts: Develop, implement, and oversee independent testing strategies and procedures for the full product lifecycle, ensuring quality, reliability, and compliance with appropriate applicable standards.

• Manage Testing Team: Mentor and lead verification and validation staff, including test pilots, managers, and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring safe operations as our guiding principle.
• Develop test plans and own safety approvals in accordance with DroneUp’s Safety Management System based on FAA Order 8040.6A - Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Safety Risk Management (SRM) Policy
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with internal safety and compliance teams to ensure all products meet or exceed legal and industry standards, including FAA regulations (ref. FAA Order 8040.6A
• Serve as liaison between different engineering groups and senior leadership at DroneUp. Work closely with Airspace Innovation, product management, systems engineering, software engineering, operations, and other departments to ensure testing strategies and procedures align with overall business goals.
• Oversee budgeting, planning, and allocation of resources for testing efforts ensuring optimal utilization and efficiency.
• Oversee Test Data Analysis: Organize, review, and analyze test data, and test results, providing insights, and recommendations for product improvements and risk mitigation.
• Support Continuous Improvement: Monitor industry trends and best practices in testing methodologies, incorporating new techniques and technologies to maintain a leading edge in the field.
• Improve the DroneUp end-to-end experience, working closely with the engineers to identify and close major issues
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Graduate from a Test Pilot School
• Minimum of