Maintenance Controller / Technical Writer (Independent Contractor)

BEELINE UAS | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Maintenance Controller / Technical Writer

Classification: Independent Contractor (1099)

Rate: $75/hr

Location: Remote; with occasional travel to location in Mountain View, CA and Tulsa, OK

Engagement Type: Project-based / Ongoing retainer

Reports To: Director of Operations / Chief Pilot

Overview

Beeline UAS is seeking a Maintenance Controller and Technical Writer with deep UAS airworthiness and maintenance expertise to support certificate holder obligations across active commercial UAS delivery partnerships. This role interfaces with delivery partners to develop, review, and maintain maintenance-related documentation required under 14 CFR Part 135 Subpart J and applicable FAA Conditions & Limitations.

The ideal candidate understands UAS airworthiness documentation from the manufacturer level through the certificate holder level, can author and revise maintenance programs and inspection procedures, and has practical experience controlling maintenance release decisions in a Part 135 or equivalent operational context.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and maintain the Beeline UAS maintenance program including inspection intervals, airworthiness release procedures, and deferred maintenance tracking consistent with 14 CFR Part 135 Subpart J
• Serve as Maintenance Controller for operational UAS platforms across active delivery hubs, authorizing return-to-service and escalating airworthiness concerns to the Director of Operations
• Draft, revise, and maintain maintenance-related technical documents including: Aircraft/UAS Inspection Programs, Airworthiness Inspection Procedures (AAIPs), Advanced Airworthiness Inspection Procedures (Advanced AIPs) where applicable, Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), Maintenance Tracking Logs, and Continuing Airworthiness documentation
• Review manufacturer maintenance manuals and service bulletins; translate applicable requirements into Beeline’s maintenance program and flag partner compliance obligations
• Develop conformity documentation and airworthiness acceptance packages, including support for FAA safety determinations under proposed Part 108 for new platform types (e.g., Kite Aero VTOL fixed-wing)
• Interface with delivery partner technical contacts to coordinate maintenance scheduling, component lifecycle tracking, and unscheduled maintenance events
• Support FAA-facing technical documentation including responses to Conditions & Limitations items related to aircraft airworthiness, C2 link integrity, and collision avoidance system maintenance
• Maintain document control for all maintenance-related records consistent with the Beeline 100/200/300 series manual system

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing or administering maintenance programs under 14 CFR Part 135 Subpart J or equivalent regulatory framework
• Proficiency authoring aviation maintenance documentation: inspection programs, MELs, airworthiness procedures, and service letter responses
• Working knowledge of airworthiness standards applicable to UAS platforms (ASTM F3298, FAA UAS airworthiness policy, or equivalent)
• Maintenance Controller experience or equivalent: demonstrated authority and judgment to release aircraft for return to service
• Ability to interpret and apply manufacturer technical data (CMMs, AMMs, service bulletins) to operational maintenance programs
• Strong technical writing skills with precision and traceability

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FAA UAS exemption airworthiness documentation (44807 exemptions or proposed Part 108 safety determinations)
• Familiarity with small VTOL or fixed-wing delivery UAS platforms and their maintenance documentation structures
• A&P certificate or equivalent maintenance credentials (not required; airworthiness documentation experience weighted equally)
• Prior experience supporting Part 135 certificate holder conformity inspections or validation test plans
• Familiarity with FAA CAPS portal and validation/conformity submission processes

Engagement Details

• Remote position; weekly coordination calls with Beeline team and delivery partners
• Project-based work with potential for ongoing retainer as operational footprint expands
• Maintenance release authority exercised under Director of Operations oversight; no unilateral external communications without DO approval
• Contractor is responsible for maintaining personal professional liability coverage
• All work product is owned by Beeline UAS upon delivery