Job Description

Flight Operations Manager

Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to our work with export-controlled technologies, all candidates must be a 'U.S. Person' as defined by ITAR and EAR (e.g., U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts.

If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

About the Role: Darkhive is seeking a Flight Operations Manager to lead our UAS flight test program, field evaluations, and end-user feedback loops. Sitting at the critical intersection of operations, engineering, and product strategy, this leader ensures that our platforms are tested safely and that the "voice of the operator" directly drives our hardware and software roadmaps.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can act as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) in austere environments one day, and brief executive leadership on product reliability trends the next.

This role is onsite in San Antonio, Texas with travel expected up to 25%.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Flight Operations & Test Management

• Lead UAS flight test events supporting product development, engineering validation, and operational evaluations
• Manage flight crews, aircraft readiness, test equipment, mission planning, and operational timelines
• Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), enforcing strict adherence to FAA regulations, risk assessments, and company SOPs
• Partner with Engineering and Product teams to define test objectives, success criteria, and required data collection

2. End-User Engagement & Feedback Loop

• Act as the primary operational interface with military, public safety, and government stakeholders during field demonstrations and training events
• Gather structured feedback from end-users regarding platform performance, field reliability, and real-world mission limitations
• Translate field-based operator feedback into actionable recommendations for our engineering and product development teams

3. Product Improvement & Quality Control

• Document and track aircraft discrepancies, anomalies, and failures to assist engineering in root cause analysis
• Monitor platform reliability metrics, maintenance trends, and recurring system issues to define operational acceptance criteria
• Continuously improve operational assets, including checklists, test cards, flight logs, and maintenance records

4. Strategic Alignment & Reporting

• Provide tactical and operational insights to leadership to help prioritize product roadmaps and future capabilities
• Author comprehensive flight test plans, risk assessments, and clear summaries of field outcomes for the CSO, investors, and board members
• Support Business Development by providing credible operational inputs for proposals and customer engagements

Qualifications:

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering, Robotics, or a related discipline (equivalent military, public safety, or UAS operational experience fully considered).
• Certification: Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a valid driver's license.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional UAS flight operations experience, with 2+ years leading flight test, field operations, or operational evaluation teams.
• Technical Breadth: Demonstrated experience planning UAS test flights, coordinating cross-functionally with engineering teams, and capturing structured technical data.
• Environment: Ability to stand, walk, kneel, lift up to 50 lbs, and work outdoors in remote or austere field environments with up to 25% travel.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with Group 1–3 UAS platforms
• Background supporting DoD, public safety, or tactical government UAS operations
• Deep familiarity with PX4, ATAK, TAK-based workflows, mission planning software, and telemetry data analysis
• Experience with developmental testing (DT), operational testing (OT), configuration management, or root cause failure analysis
• Active U.S. security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one)

Other Physical and/or Mental Requirements

• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours
• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language
• Learns and memorizes routine tasks
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position

Selection Process:

• Hiring team reviews candidates
• 20-minute prescreen with Darkhive recruiter
• 30-minute interview with the hiring manager
• Take-home assessment project
• In-person or video interview with hiring team

Benefits Darkhive Offers:

• Comprehensive medical plans
• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums
• Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• 11 Paid holidays
• 5 days of sick leave
• Stock options
• Welcoming and friendly work environment
• Respect of work-life balance

Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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