Experimental UAV Test Pilot

The Job:

We are looking for an Experimental UAV Test Pilot to help push the boundaries of next-generation heavy-lift UAVs. You’ll be hands-on flying experimental platforms in a variety of configurations and conditions, supporting rapid iteration and providing feedback to the engineering team. Unlike commercial off-the-shelf drone piloting, this role requires comfort with prototype aircraft, flight envelope expansion, and PID tuning on PX4 and ArduPilot systems.

You’ll work closely with engineers to validate new builds, diagnose flight behaviors, and propose tuning or hardware adjustments.

What You'll Do:

• Flight testing: Pilot experimental multi-rotor UAVs. Conduct envelope expansion and durability tests.

• System tuning: Adjust and validate PID parameters on PX4 and ArduPilot flight stacks to achieve stable and responsive control.

• Pre- and post-flight: Execute checklists, confirm airworthiness, and provide structured feedback on anomalies, handling qualities, or safety concerns.

• Collaboration: Work directly with engineering to troubleshoot hardware/software issues, recommend improvements, and inform design iterations.

• Data capture & reporting: Log flights accurately, document tuning changes, and contribute to flight test debriefs.

• Safety oversight: Operate under FAA Part 107 rules, monitor range conditions, and call out hazards.

What We’re Looking For:

• FAA Part 107 certification.

• Proven experience flying a variety of UAV categories; must go beyond consumer platforms.

• Hands-on experience tuning flight controllers, specifically PID tuning in PX4 and ArduPilot.

• Strong understanding of UAV systems: propulsion, avionics, batteries, and ground support equipment.

• Track record of building or modifying drones (custom builds, research projects, or competition experience).

• Comfortable working outdoors in variable conditions; able to travel domestically to fly at customer and test sites outside the Bay Area.

Beyond technical skills, we value:

• Ownership mentality — take projects from idea to execution

• Balance of velocity and quality — move fast, but with rigor

• Iterative problem solving — breakdown complex problems, prototype, and refine

• Kindness and humility — thrive in collaborative, mission-driven cross-functional teams

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience

• Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company's future

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Including medical, dental, and vision plans

• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses

• Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us
Seneca is eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI-powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We’re combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion-dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.

This is more than a job—it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you’re a builder, an innovator, or a problem-solver, you belong here.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply — you may still be the right fit for our team.