Drone Operator, Prime Air - Data for Autonomous Aircraft (DA2)

Description

Amazon is searching for a skilled operator with extensive experience operating drones via a Remote Control. The qualified candidate will act as an operations specialist assisting in the development and test of safety related technologies. The role includes mission planning and lightweight maintenance duties. The candidate should demonstrate attention to detail, a safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for technology. This individual will also conduct limited operation readiness activities and logistics planning as needed.

You'll work in both outdoor field environments during flight operations and indoor facilities for maintenance, planning, and documentation. Field work may involve varying weather conditions and terrain.

This role involves approximately 75% travel to various test sites and field locations. You'll be working at different facilities across regions to support ongoing autonomous aircraft testing and development initiatives.

Key job responsibilities
Collaborate on completion of a test planning lifecycle: Support creation and documentation of comprehensive test plans for new flight profiles and autonomous aircraft features, including test objectives, success criteria, validation procedures, and expected outcomes.

Develop operational documentation and processes: Establish and maintain documentation, processes, and mechanisms for test execution, data collection, and operational workflows that can be used by other team members.

Execute test missions according to established test plans, operating remote-controlled drones with precision and safety compliance.

Perform pre-flight system checks, lightweight maintenance duties, and ensure aircraft operational readiness.

Coordinate logistics planning for field operations, including site preparation, equipment transport, and team deployment.

Monitor and document system performance during test flights, collecting and organizing data for analysis.

Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot operational issues and provide feedback on aircraft performance.

Maintain compliance with FAA regulations and Amazon safety protocols throughout all operations.

A day in the life
Your day might start with the engineering team reviewing a new flight profile that needs validation. You'll work with another operator to develop a comprehensive test plan—defining what you'll test, how you'll measure success, what data you need to collect, and documenting the procedures so the team can execute consistently. Once the plan is documented and approved, you'll conduct pre-flight checks on the aircraft, execute the test flights, and meticulously record all observations and data. Between flights, you'll analyze results with the team, update your documentation based on findings, and prepare for the next iteration. You'll also support operational logistics coordination for upcoming field deployments. It's a role that balances hands-on flying with strategic planning, documentation, and process development—every test flight is purposeful and contributes directly to advancing autonomous aircraft technology.



About the team
The Prime Air - Data for Autonomous Aircraft (DA2) team is at the forefront of Amazon's autonomous delivery innovation. We're a collaborative group of operators, maintainers, engineers, and program managers focused on developing and testing technologies for autonomous aircraft. Our team values hands-on problem-solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to safety excellence. We work in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the future of autonomous delivery.

Basic Qualifications

- Can demonstrate strong attention to safety and ability to follow detailed procedures
- Can lift up to 49 pounds, stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend, and reach
- Driver's license
- Experience communicating results to operations and business leaders
- Current FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- 2 years of hands-on remote-control pilot experience with demonstrated coordination and execution skills

Preferred Qualifications

- Knowledge of command line tools to troubleshoot protocols, analyze log outputs, or automate basic tasks
- Experience troubleshooting and debugging technical systems, or experience troubleshooting and documenting findings
- Private Pilot License (PPL) or equivalent aviation certification
- Aviation safety experience in roles such as Safety Officer or similar safety-focused position
- Demonstrated experience owning projects end-to-end, from planning through execution and stakeholder updates
- Proven ability in creating and maintaining documentation, processes, and operational mechanisms

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The starting pay for this position is listed below. Final starting pay will be based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/benefits.