SUAS Crew Chief

About DZYNE DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready. We're growing fast, and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success. Ready to do work that matters? Join us. Position Title: SUAS Crew Chief Location: Irvine, CA Work Arrangement: On-site / Hybrid, with 75% + travel required and occasional weekend work based on business needs. Position Summary The UAS Crew Chief is responsible for ensuring aircraft airworthiness and maintaining a safe operational environment for unmanned air vehicle operations. This role supports all phases of flight operations, including preflight, launch, recovery, inspection, and maintenance using approved methods, techniques, and technical data. The Crew Chief works closely with flight‑test engineers and the Flight Operations team to support test events, demonstration activities, and post‑flight evaluations. This position reports to the Maintenance Manager and is contingent upon government contract award and funding availability. Required Duties and Responsibilities: * Execute Ground Checkout Procedures (GCP) and Acceptance & Test Procedures (ATP) to verify aircraft readiness and system functionality. * Support aircraft build‑up activities for test and demonstration events, ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards. * Conduct preflight, post‑flight, and post‑shipping inspections to confirm aircraft structural integrity, airworthiness, and proper battery charge levels. * Set up and tear down launch and recovery equipment, ensuring correct configuration, operational integrity, and safety‑of‑flight readiness. * Collaborate with flight‑test engineers to identify discrepancies, validate data, and maintain safety‑of‑flight standards. * Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, preventive maintenance, scheduled inspections, and authorized alterations on aircraft and support equipment. * Complete fueling and defueling operations in accordance with established procedures. * Prepare and maintain maintenance documentation, reports, and flight release authorization forms. * Assist with test setups and support overall flight‑test operations as required. Required Skills/Qualifications: * Strong understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and technical data for unmanned aerial systems. * Ability to perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. * Experience conducting operational checks, preflight/post‑flight activities, and system validation tasks. * Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and flight‑test personnel. * Proficiency in reading and applying technical manuals, engineering drawings, and maintenance procedures. * Strong organizational and documentation skills. * Ability to work in dynamic test environments and adapt to shifting operational needs. Preferred Skills/Qualifications: * Previous experience as a Crew Chief, UAS maintainer, or aircraft maintenance technician. * Experience supporting flight‑test operations or demonstration events. * Familiarity with GCP, ATP, or other structured test/inspection procedures. * Experience with launch and recovery systems for unmanned aircraft. * Prior work in government‑contracted aviation or defense environments. Education: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Technical school training, military aviation maintenance experience, or equivalent industry experience preferred. * FAA A&P license or UAS maintenance certification is a plus but not required. Clearance Level Required: Secret - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role. Export Control / ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations. Travel Required: Up to 70% Working Conditions: The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities. Personnel should expect to travel to various flight operations locations within the United States, in addition to overseas locations, both of which may experience complex living and working conditions. Personnel may be exposed to austere, deployment-type conditions and shared living spaces, including military-style accommodations, such as tents or manufactured b-huts with multiple personnel per room, along with military-style meals. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: * Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, and lift a minimum of 35-50 lbs. * Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine. * Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work. Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship. Export Control / ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations. Salary: $29.00 - $39.00 /hour Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus. Benefits: Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting. DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. #LI-HYBRID Pay Range: $29 - $39 per hour

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