---
title: 'UAS Flight Operations Specialist at Heven AeroTech'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/uas-flight-operations-specialist-heven-aerotech-winchester-9v4tfpj8pkyq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-16'
---

# UAS Flight Operations Specialist at Heven AeroTech

- **Company:** Heven AeroTech
- **Location:** Winchester, VA
- **Compensation:** $41–$55/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-05-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-16
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/hevenaerotech/jobs/4254975009

## Job description

Title: UAS Flight Operations Specialist Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Winchester, Virginia FLSA: Non-Exempt

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 leader in hydrogen-powered drone technology, we’ve created an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and employees are empowered to make a real impact.

Our culture is grounded in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. We value team members who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who prioritize team success, take initiative to improve continuously, and bring strong interpersonal awareness to everything they do. At Heven, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported through hands-on experience and close collaboration.

Role Summary: The UAS Flight Operations Specialist will apply their hard-earned field experience to build, demonstrate, and test hydrogen powered Hybrid VTOL and Multirotor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). They will support and/ or perform flight tests, technical demonstrations, and customer training plans as necessary. This position requires automobile travel up to ~2 hours each way to flight test ranges. Some ground tests can be performed locally.

The UAS Flight Operations Specialist will also be responsible for the overall state of health and readiness of the entire flight test system, including the Ground Control Systems, Ground Support Equipment and Air Vehicles. This requires a working understanding of all UAS major components. The UAS Flight Operations Specialist will own the maintenance of logbooks and other system configuration records for the systems in their custody.

The UAS Flight Operations Specialist is expected to bring a pragmatic, real-world perspective to the team and will be relied upon as a member of the customer facing team throughout the development of the system. As a key member of a small team, and to develop in-depth knowledge of Heven Aerotech’s portfolio of UAS, the UAS Flight Operations Specialist will also be involved in the assembly of Air Vehicles, Ground Control Systems and Ground Support Equipment. In this capacity, the UAS Flight Operations Specialist will be expected to provide “user perspective” feedback and improvement suggestions as a member of the design team. This may also include the creation and fine-tuning of training instruction documentation in cooperation with other groups. The UAS Flight Operations Specialist will also be a key contributor to subsystem bench testing, iron bird proof testing, diagnostic and debugging activities, and root cause analysis efforts led by engineering.

As a UAS systems expert, the UAS Flight Operations Specialist will play a key role in the development of the entire system – this will require the UAS Flight Operations Specialist to become intimately familiar will all areas of the systems to include operations and maintenance, and associated software/user interfaces. Previous engineering, UAS Operator/Maintenance Instructor, military instructor certifications/qualifications, and Field Service Representative experience and/or relevant education preferred. Candidates with a background in manual flight control are strongly preferred. This refers to genuine hands-on stick control experience — not GPS-assisted or autopilot-stabilized flight modes. Applicants who have served in an Emergency Pilot (EP) role or who have logged significant hours flying fixed-wing RC aircraft are encouraged to highlight this experience in their application. CONUS and occasional OCONUS travel may be required for test flights, training, and field support.

Essential Responsibilities:

- Perform flight tests of Group 2+ UAS
- Create and maintain test plans, reports, and summaries in support of a training development and demonstration schedule
- Collaborate with other internal stakeholders and leads to ensure health and readiness of the UAS
- 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

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

- Minimum of 4+ years military UAS operations experience
- Minimum of 4+ years UAS development experience Skills and Competencies:
- Experience integrating payloads and radios (e.g., Trillium, Persistent Systems, Silvus)
- Strong troubleshooting and communication skills
- Ability to present technical data to diverse audiences
- Proven ability to maintain and optimize complex systems, including preventative maintenance
- Commitment to maintaining and improving safety for personnel and equipment
- Collaborative, professional, and effective in conflict resolution

Preferred:

- Experience with military, fixed wing VTOL or multirotor, and Group 2+ categories in theater are highly desired
- Experience with SOCOM’s “Mod Payload” design standard
- Experience with STANAG 4586 GCS with software such as Vigilant Spirit
- Experience with multiple GCS software including QGroundControl, Embention, Micropilot, Mission Planner
- Experience with manual flight control
- Ability to develop training curriculum content
- DOD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain

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 test 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 include medical, 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: $41—$55 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

- [UAS Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-operator-heven-aerotech-winchester-zmgggatw5es3) — Winchester, VA
- [Machine Learning Engineer - Autonomy](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-autonomy-heven-aerotech-bingen-0q8zefqqrjbg) — Bingen, WA
- [Senior UAS Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-uas-operator-heven-aerotech-winchester-1dm32jjzmvyy) — Winchester, VA
- [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