UAS Test Manager

Tycho.AI builds autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS- and comms-denied environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve. Backed by VCs with unicorn wins and trusted by defense customers, our team is rethinking autonomy from the chip up using modular AI, advanced visual-inertial sensing, and real-time edge compute to unlock next-gen mission capability.

As a UAS Test Manager, you will lead a test team in the development and execution of a comprehensive flight test program for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role will be responsible for executing structured test methodologies, managing on-site flight test operations, and leading test operations alongside a multidisciplinary, matrixed team of test engineers and operators supporting autonomous air vehicle development.

You will work closely with autonomy, embedded software, hardware, systems engineering, and program leadership teams to validate aircraft performance, autonomy behaviors, mission capabilities, and system reliability across both developmental and operational testing environments.

• Support and improve the company’s UAS flight test program, processes, and operational procedures, including test plans, test cards, risk assessments, safety procedures, and post-flight reporting processes

• Lead and mentor a team of test support personnel

• Design and execute structured test campaigns covering airworthiness, autonomy performance, mission validation, reliability, environmental testing, and subsystem integration

• Coordinate flight operations, range logistics, airspace management, and field test activities

• Collaborate closely with autonomy, controls, embedded, hardware, and systems engineering teams to define validation objectives and acceptance criteria

• Drive root-cause investigations and corrective actions for flight anomalies, failures, and safety events

• Ensure safe execution of all flight activities and maintain strong operational discipline across the test organization

• 5+ years of experience in UAS, aerospace, or flight test engineering environments

• Experience executing structured flight test programs for UAS or autonomous aircraft systems

• Prior experience leading or managing test teams

• Strong understanding of flight test methodologies, safety processes, telemetry systems, and test data analysis

• Experience supporting multidisciplinary integration and validation efforts across hardware and software systems

• Strong operational planning, communication, and organizational skills

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced field and startup environments

• Willingness to travel frequently to flight test sites

• FAA Part 107 certification

• Experience with autonomous aircraft, VTOL systems, or defense-related UAS platforms

• Experience with environmental and reliability testing for aerospace systems

• Military, defense, or government flight test program experience

• Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.

• Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.

• Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and a generous benefits package.

Tycho.AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.

Tycho.AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process