Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Manager of Quality Assurance (QA) at Teal Drones is responsible for leading end-to-end product validation across hardware, firmware, and software systems. This role owns the full verification lifecycle—from early prototype testing through production release—ensuring all drone platforms meet performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory requirements.

This leader will build and manage a high-performing QA organization responsible for flight testing, software validation, firmware verification, and hardware validation (mechanical electrical). The role is critical to delivering mission-ready UAS platforms for both defense and commercial applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Flight Test & System Validation

• Own and lead all flight testing operations across development and production phases
• Develop structured test plans, test cards, and flight envelopes
• Validate performance across:
• Range, endurance, and environmental conditions
• GPS-denied and contested environments
• Payload and mission configurations
• Ensure safe and repeatable flight test execution with robust data capture

Software & Autonomy Validation

• Lead software QA strategy including:
• Smoke testing
• Regression testing
• Integration testing
• System-level validation
• Validate flight control software, autonomy stacks, and ground control systems
• Establish automated test frameworks and CI/CD validation pipelines
• Partner with software engineering to drive defect resolution and release quality

Firmware Validation

• Own validation of embedded systems and firmware across:
• Flight controllers
• Communication systems
• Sensors and payload interfaces
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments
• Validate firmware stability, fail-safes, and update mechanisms

Mechanical & Electrical Validation

• Ensure all airframe and subsystem components meet design and durability requirements:
• Structural integrity (vibration, shock, fatigue)
• Thermal performance
• Environmental testing (dust, moisture, temperature extremes)
• Validate electrical systems:
• Power distribution
• Battery performance and safety
• EMI/EMC considerations
• Partner with engineering to close design gaps and improve robustness

Test Infrastructure & Data Systems

• Build and scale test infrastructure, including:
• Labs, test rigs, and instrumentation
• Flight test ranges and telemetry systems
• Establish standardized data collection, analysis, and reporting tools
• Drive data-informed decision-making for product readiness

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Define QA processes aligned to:
• Federal Aviation Administration requirements
• Department of Defense standards (as applicable)
• Support certifications, airworthiness considerations, and compliance documentation
• Ensure traceability from requirements → test → validation

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary QA team:
• Flight test engineers
• Software QA engineers
• Hardware validation engineers
• Set performance standards, KPIs, and career development plans
• Foster a culture of ownership, rigor, and mission focus

Required Qualifications

• 10 years in QA, validation, or test engineering (UAS, aerospace, robotics, or similar)
• 5 years in leadership or management roles
• Deep experience with:
• Flight testing and system validation
• Embedded systems and firmware testing
• Software QA methodologies (automation preferred)
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical system validation
• Experience with test tools, telemetry systems, and data analysis

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Background in UAS or aerospace systems
• Experience working with defense programs or ruggedized systems
• Familiarity with:
• HIL/SIL environments
• RF systems and communications validation
• Environmental and MIL-STD testing

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.