Drone Operations Specialist
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Company Overview: Dedrone is the world’s most trusted smart airspace security company. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone’s comprehensive, command and control (C2) solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling “good” drones to fly. By leveraging AI/ML, Dedrone is the only solution that provides continuous, autonomous interrogation and verification of drones that enables both multi-sensor and multi-mitigation options onto a single fused "pane-of-glass". Whether on-premise / air-gapped or in the cloud, Dedrone customers can easily detect, track, identify, analyze, and mitigate drone threats.
We are seeking a skilled and knowledgeable Drone Operations Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience with hobby-grade and commercial drones, an understanding of MAVLink and ArduPilot (or similar systems), and a passion for flying drones. This role requires a hands-on approach to operating, troubleshooting, and testing drone systems, as background in small electronics, cameras, and edge compute systems is a plus.
You will:
- Operate a fleet of experimental drones for various applications.
- Design and test various flight control configurations as the direction of the program manager
- Utilize MAVLink and ArduPilot for drone programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades on drone hardware and software.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Analyze flight data to improve drone performance and mission outcomes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement drone-based solutions.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in drone technology and regulations.
You have:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Proven experience with hobby-grade (DJI, and FPV) + commercial drones.
- Proficiency with MAVLink and ArduPilot.
- Hands-on experience with drone electronics, including soldering, circuit troubleshooting, calibration, and the ability to build a drone from parts.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to travel as needed for drone missions and training sessions.
Would love if you have:
- Experience in software development or scripting for drone automation.
- Knowledge of additional drone platforms and flight control systems.
At Dedrone, we believe that great ideas come from anywhere. We support a collaborative environment and value open participation from individuals with different ideas, experiences, and perspectives. We believe having a diverse team makes Dedrone a more interesting and innovative place to work, and we strive to make Dedrone a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
What We Do
Dedrone is a leader in airspace security. With more customers around the world than any other airspace security company, we enable our clients to protect people, property, and information from the threat of drones, while enabling the “good” drones to take off (pun intended). The simple fact is that no security company can build a barrier strong enough or high enough to protect from a drone, so we need a tech solution to protect us from the persistent and escalating drone threat. At the same time, the “good” drones will dramatically improve our lives and increase GDP by completing tasks like acting as first responders, delivering medical supplies and retail packages, and more.
By combining advanced sensor-fusion technology with AI-driven pattern recognition software, our solutions enable early and reliable drone detection, pilot location and advanced warning in the event an unauthorized drone approaches a secured area. Our customers include national governments, public safety agencies, sporting stadiums, prisons, private research facilities, critical infrastructure sites like airports and power plants, data centers, VIPs and more.
Drones are the world’s new asymmetric threat to public safety and national security. Dedrone’s dual-use technology was recognized by two major awards this year. The CNBC Disruptor 50 and TIME’s Best Inventions 2023 lists both feature Dedrone as an innovative company disrupting the industry with its breakthrough capabilities and industry-leading customer list.
Dedrone is implemented across 31 countries and is used by five of the G-7 nation governments; 190 critical infrastructure sites; 40 airports; 60+ stadiums; 15+ US federal entities and 20+ non-US governments. We actively provide counterdrone solutions for some of the most high-profile events around the world, working closely with over 120 public safety agencies globally. Our technology is also in use on the front lines in Ukraine, and we are proud to support them in their fight to defend their homeland.
Why Work With Us
At Dedrone, we have a clear mission to protect people from a new threat vector. Additionally, we believe in a flat organization where individual empowerment and open communication drive a more robust and innovative solution set for our customers. We are growing rapidly with over 100% headcount growth in less than 12 months!