Pitch Aeronautics Inc.
Drone Operations Crew Member (Pilot in Training)
Boise, ID
·
Full time
Pitch Aeronautics installs WireWarrior weather sensors on live utility transmission lines with Astria, our custom heavy-lift install drone. We are growing rapidly, and we need more people in the field. You'll join our Drone Ops team as a crew member: preparing aircraft and equipment, supporting ground operations, and supporting the pilot during installs and test flights. Along the way, you'll follow a training path toward flying Astria yourself. Field work is weather and customer driven, so expect multi-day trips and long days when the weather window is open.
About Pitch Aeronautics Inc.
Pitch Aeronautics (www.pitchaero.com) is a rapidly growing startup creating game-changing solutions for the utility industry. Pitch has developed a drone to install our line sensor, bird diverters, and other equipment on power lines. Our drone-deployable line sensors wirelessly transmit environmental and line characteristics to an online secure API to help utilities push more power through existing lines, prevent wildfires, and improve grid reliability.
At Pitch we’ve fostered a collaborative, fun, “get-stuff-done” working environment. We believe in moving fast and creating products and prototypes rapidly. If you’re looking for a place where you can make a difference on day one, be empowered to achieve, and love working in small teams, we want to meet you!
Description
Responsibilities
- Serve as ground crew and visual observer during sensor installs and test flights: run checklists, manage comms, and keep the site safe.
- Prepare aircraft, batteries, payloads, and sensors before deployments, and inspect and log maintenance after flights.
- Set up and run the ground control station: QGroundControl, Mission Planner, telemetry radios, and GNSS tools.
- Pull flight logs after each flight and upload them for engineering review.
- Pack, transport, and set up field equipment, including the truck and trailer.
- Support site surveys, airspace checks, and weather go/no-go calls with the Drone Ops PM.
- Support test-stand runs and test flights in Boise as aircraft and control software change.
- Follow FAA Part 107 rules, Pitch’s internal safety rules, and each utility customer's UAS work requirements.
- Document field issues and feed them back to engineering quickly.
- Progress through our pilot training plan toward pilot-in-command on Astria.
Minimum Qualifications
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or able to earn it within 90 days of hire.
- Willing and able to travel frequently for multi-day to multi-week field deployments, including long field days outdoors in variable weather.
- Valid driver's license and a clean driving record; comfortable towing a trailer.
- Mechanical aptitude and the discipline to follow checklists every time.
- Physically able to carry equipment and work outdoors on uneven terrain.
- Clear, calm communication, especially when things don't go to plan.
Desired Qualifications
- Drone flying experience: commercial, military UAS, or hobby FPV.
- Aviation background: pilot certificate, aircrew, or aircraft maintenance.
- Familiarity with PX4 or ArduPilot and QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
- Field experience around energized equipment: utility, lineman, or electrical construction.
- Basic electronics and soldering for field repairs.
Benefits
- 120 hrs of paid time off
- Additional PTO benefits for field deployments
- Field deployment PTO accrual for install travel
- Health Insurance
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid holidays
- Flexible work schedule
In accordance with federal requirements and regulations, Pitch Aeronautics does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.