Flight Demo & Training Specialist (Multiple Levels)

Role Overview

Pyka is looking for a Flight Demo Specialist to support the development and commercial deployments of its advanced autonomous cargo aircraft. You will be responsible for coordinating demos with defense partners, setting up missions to showcase the aircraft in new environments, and training and supporting our customers as they operate our cargo aircraft. This is your opportunity to test, evaluate and deploy the aircraft of the future.

After a two month initial training in Dixon, CA, you will spend about 20% of your time deployed for demos, training, or flight testing.

This is a multidisciplinary role that interacts with internal and external organizations, so written and verbal communication skills are critical. You will be instrumental in ensuring the standardization of aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, instructional techniques, as well as informing the evolution of the product itself.

An engineering degree is not required, although the candidate must be technically knowledgeable, preferably with experience with flight operations with either manned aircraft or UAVs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate demos and exercises with government and DoD groups, including airspace approvals, regulatory compliance, and logistics

• Travel to and participate in flight demos and training to support government and military customers

• Recommend new features, improvements, design changes, etc. to the design team

• Conduct diverse fleet maintenance activities, involving the aircraft itself, ground infrastructure, laptops, and batteries

• Assemble, prepare and fully test airframe airworthiness

• Serve as Pilot In Command or Ground Control Operator of experimental / developmental unmanned aircraft

• Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as Test Conductor or Test Crew member

• Manage complex logistics in support of flight operations

• Assist in business development of cargo aircraft, particularly with military customers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience flying fixed wing UAVs / model aircraft or large multirotors

• Experience with ground control and mission planning software

• Experience with mechanical and electrical systems, assembly, and troubleshooting

• Military experience-preferably familiarity with technology evaluation and procurement processes

• Knowledge of aircraft systems and manuals

• Independent and motivated, with an extremely strong work ethic; able to self-direct and manage time

• Extreme attention to detail and thoroughness

• Willingness to travel in foreign countries and spend several weeks working independently

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Part 61 pilot certificate is a plus

• We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.

Compensation & Benefits

• $107,000-$153,000 per year base salary. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.

• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance

• FSA with employer matching

• 401(k)

• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off

• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

• Pre-tax commuter benefits

• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks