--- title: 'Senior UAS Operator at Heven AeroTech' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-uas-operator-heven-aerotech-winchester-p6qr612wf6v3' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Senior UAS Operator at Heven AeroTech - **Company:** Heven AeroTech - **Location:** Winchester, VA - **Compensation:** $41–$56/hr - **Posted:** 2026-09-04 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/hevenaerotech/jobs/4393376009 ## Job description Title:  Senior UAS Operator Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Winchester, VA FLSA:  Non-Exempt Reports To: Head of US Flight Operations About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don’t just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we’ve earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence. We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team. Role Summary: The Senior UAS Operator leads flight testing, demonstrations, training, and field support for hydrogen-powered Hybrid VTOL and Multirotor systems. The role is responsible for maintaining aircraft, Ground Control Systems, support equipment, and configuration records, while providing operational feedback to support system development and training improvements. The position also supports engineering testing, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis through data collection, issue reproduction, and controlled test execution. Prior experience as a UAS instructor, developmental test team member, Field Service Representative, or similar technical role is preferred. Manual flight control experience, Emergency Pilot (EP) qualifications, and fixed-wing RC flight experience are highly desirable. Essential Responsibilities: - Operate Air Vehicles, Ground Control Systems, Ground Support Equipment, payloads, radios, and associated equipment during post-production, demonstration, and training flights. - Execute approved flight plans, ground test procedures, checklists, and flight profiles for Group 2+ UAS. - Support engineering reporting by providing operator notes, flight logs, configuration records, and factual observations. - Support installation, checkout, and troubleshooting of approved payload, radio, harness, and electromechanical integrations under engineering direction. - Support the development of sustainment-ready military UAS by providing product feedback to the engineering team to inform design objectives and improvements. - Develop and implement customer use cases of the Air Vehicle. - Other duties as assigned Qualifications & Experience: Required: - Minimum of 8 years military or commercial UAS operations experience in deployed or testing environment. - Experience drafting and / or maintaining logbooks, maintenance records, configuration records, and discrepancy documentation in a controlled operational or test environment. - Ability to execute approved test cards, checklists, and flight plans while remaining within defined operational limitations and / or test parameters. - Strong discipline in pre-flight, post-flight, configuration control, and anomaly documentation processes. - Ability to present technical data to diverse audiences. - Proven ability to maintain and optimize complex systems, including preventative maintenance. - Ability to inspect, install, troubleshoot, and perform basic repairs on payload and radio integration harnesses under engineering direction. - Commitment to maintaining and improving safety for personnel and equipment. - Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. - Collaborative, professional, and effective in conflict resolution. - Active DOD Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain). - Active Class 2 FAA Medical Certification (or ability to obtain - Professional working proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required to perform the responsibilities of this role. - This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future. - If this role requires access to information controlled under U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR), applicants must also qualify as a "U.S. person" under 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as an asylee or refugee). Preferred: - Experience with military, fixed wing VTOL or multirotor, and Group 2+ categories in operational or test environments. - Military or civilian UAS / aviation instructor experience. - Experience supporting developmental flight testing, ground testing, iron bird testing, or controlled system checkout activities. - Experience with STANAG 4586 GCS with software such as Vigilant Spirit - Experience with SOCOM Modular Payload standards. - Experience with manual flight control. Physical Requirements: - Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs regularly. - Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, dust). - Ability to travel by vehicle for up to ~2 hours each way to flight locations. - Ability to set up, operate, and break down flight test equipment in field environments. - Manual dexterity to assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical and electronic systems. - Ability to work in physically dynamic environments, including uneven terrain and remote locations. - Visual acuity sufficient to safely operate UAS and monitor flight operations. - Ability to comply with all safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Benefits Overview: Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits in protectional, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Budgeted Salary Range: $40.87—$56.29 USD ## About Heven AeroTech ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Heven AeroTech designs and manufactures hydrogen-powered drone systems for defense, public safety, and commercial missions, offering extended flight endurance, ultra-quiet operation, and zero-emission capabilities. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series B) - **Headquarters**: Sterling, Virginia, United States (with offices in Bingen, WA; Miami, FL; Dulles, VA; and Mevoh Carmel, Israel) - **Founded**: 2019 - **Founders**: Bentzion Levinson (Founder & CEO) ## Core Business - Primary industry/industries: Aerospace & Defense, Unmanned Systems, Hydrogen Technology - Target customers: Defense forces (U.S. Army, national security agencies), public safety organizations, commercial operators (surveillance, logistics, monitoring) - Mission or purpose statement: "Engineering the Next Era of American Aerospace" — fusing rapid-cycle development with the reliability of a national industrial asset to build the future of American aerospace. ## Products & Services - **Z1**: A Blue UAS Select hydrogen-powered drone for national security and defense missions, offering ultra-quiet endurance and trusted performance. - **Raider**: A heavy-lift, mission-ready drone built for reliability and adaptability, capable of carrying payloads across challenging environments. - **H2D55**: A hydrogen-powered drone platform optimized for long-endurance monitoring of borders, critical assets, and logistics. - **Urban X**: A drone designed for urban and public safety operations, providing extended aerial support during critical response situations. - **ATLAS**: A multi-role drone platform that serves as the "ultimate multi-role toolbox" for various mission configurations. - **Refuelers**: On-demand hydrogen production and refueling systems that ensure operational independence in the field. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company) - **Total Funding**: $100.0M (Series B, November 2025, led by IonQ) - **Key Metric**: Series B raised $100M; acquired HEVEN ENERGY LTD; awarded a U.S. Army Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) in March 2026 for the Z1 and associated hydrogen systems. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: IonQ (lead investor in Series B), Texas Venture Partners, Oracle Defense Ecosystem - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 136.5% YoY (61 employees as of mid-2026); expanded U.S. operations with new HQ in Sterling, VA; opened offices in Bingen, WA and Miami, FL; acquired Zepher Flight Labs; featured in The Defense Post; DIU (Defense Innovation Unit) approved the Z1 for the Blue UAS list. ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover in hydrogen-powered defense drones**: The only Blue UAS Select hydrogen-powered drone, providing a unique combination of ultra-quiet operation and extended flight endurance (up to 3x longer than battery-powered drones). - **Vertical integration**: In-house hydrogen refueling technology (on-demand production) ensures operational independence and reduces logistics burden for customers. - **Proven government contracts**: U.S. Army Basic Ordering Agreement and DIU approval signal trusted, mission-critical capability for defense customers. - **Global talent pool**: Operations in both the U.S. and Israel combine American aerospace reliability with Israeli defense-tech innovation and rapid development cycles. - **Strong IP and acquisitions**: Acquired HEVEN ENERGY LTD and Zepher Flight Labs, adding hydrogen fuel cell expertise and specialized flight capabilities. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling U.S. manufacturing and operations (new HQ in Virginia, expansion in Washington state and Florida). - Deepening defense and government partnerships (Army BOA, Blue UAS listing). - Integrating AI and quantum sensor technologies into drone platforms (hired VP of AI Samantha Hamilton; exploring quantum sensors). - Expanding hydrogen infrastructure (refuelers and on-site production) to enable broader commercial adoption. - Building a vertically integrated American aerospace company from design to production to field support. ## Why Work Here - **High-growth environment**: 136.5% headcount growth YoY; company is scaling rapidly with significant funding and government contracts. - **Mission-driven work**: Directly contribute to national security, public safety, and clean energy solutions through hydrogen-powered drone technology. - **Global, collaborative culture**: Offices across the U.S. and Israel, with a diverse team of engineers, operations specialists, and defense veterans. - **Strong leadership**: Experienced executives from defense, aerospace, and hydrogen industries (e.g., Karen Swider-Lyons as VP of Hydrogen Technology; Samantha Hamilton as VP of AI). - **Active hiring**: 27 open positions as of mid-2026, including engineering roles (Mechanical, Fuel Cell, Production), technical roles (Assembly Technician, Configuration Manager), and compliance/supply chain roles (ITAR/EAR Specialist, Logistics Coordinator). - **Hybrid/office policy**: Likely office-based given manufacturing and engineering focus, but multiple U.S. locations (Sterling, VA; Bingen, WA; Miami, FL) offer flexibility. - **Perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge hydrogen and drone technology; exposure to defense and government contracting; potential for rapid career growth in a scaling organization. ## Sources 1. [LinkedIn - Heven AeroTech](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hevenaerotech) 2. [Heven Drones Official Website](https://hevendrones.com/) 3. [Heven AeroTech Official Website](https://hevenaerotech.com/) 4. [CB Insights - Heven AeroTech](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/heven-drones) 5. [Heven Drones - Contact Us](https://hevendrones.com/contact-us/) ## Other roles at Heven AeroTech - [Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-heven-aerotech-bingen-k63bskzd0fft) — Bingen, WA - [Senior Engineering Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-engineering-project-manager-heven-aerotech-bingen-0zm7b9ha17py) — Bingen, WA - [Senior Manufacturing Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manufacturing-engineer-heven-aerotech-bingen-hrfm27ggm762) — Bingen, WA - [Hydrogen System Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/hydrogen-system-design-engineer-heven-aerotech-winchester-0en0v9dpt9c8) — Winchester, VA - [Electronics & Programming Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electronics-programming-engineer-heven-aerotech-winchester-50wxy4w2mrcr) — Winchester, VA - [Proposal Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/proposal-manager-heven-aerotech-sterling-vjem1rn0jbwc) — Sterling, VA - [Director, Business Development - U.S. Army](https://feeny.ai/job/director-business-development-u-s-army-heven-aerotech-sterling-8cgxf6jgnv30) — Sterling, VA - [Machine Learning Engineer, Autonomy](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-autonomy-heven-aerotech-bingen-svrp1f374m7k) — Bingen, WA - [Machine Learning Engineer - Autonomy](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-autonomy-heven-aerotech-sterling-b5ge78temkmy) — Sterling, VA - [IT Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/it-manager-heven-aerotech-sterling-4v3qek3m4xmg) — Sterling, VA