Technical Operations Engineer, Ghost

About the role

The position bridges product engineering with deployed operations for unmanned air vehicles within the Tactical Recon & Strike team.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Flight operations and field maintenance are executed to support military missions in remote areas.

Internal and customer teams receive timely updates on field issue status to maintain operational alignment.

Comprehensive operational and logistical plans for test and evaluation events are developed and implemented for effective execution.

Aerial system availability and performance are monitored to sustain high readiness and effectiveness during operations.

Support plans for hardware and software are maintained to guide troubleshooting and recovery procedures.

Root cause analyses for air system incidents in the field identify factors and inform corrective actions.

Post-incident reviews lead to preventive measures that reduce future failures and improve system reliability.

Up-to-date documentation reflects current processes, configurations, and procedures for operational continuity.

Requirements

The posting states a pay range of $113000 to $155000.3+ years of problem-solving experience at the interface of hardware, software, and networking in unstructured settings.

Strong mechanical aptitude enables troubleshooting and repair of critical product components and site infrastructure.

Demonstrated understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and sensors supports operational assessments.

Data-driven root cause analysis is performed on complex systems to identify underlying issues.

Experience with munitions live fire testing or munitions handling is required for this role.

Preventative maintenance on product components, systems, and structural elements ensures integrity and safety.

Ability to travel to remote regions of the world for up to two months, which is at least 50% of the year.

Relocation is required for candidates not already based in Costa Mesa, California.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Secret clearance is mandatory.

Nice to have

A Bachelor of Science in computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.

Collaboration across cross-functional teams leverages diverse expertise for shared objectives.

Experience with weapon systems for manned aircraft, UAS, or missiles informs operational decisions.

Familiarity with electric propulsion systems supports integration and test activities.

Hands-on piloting of UAS in full manual mode demonstrates practical aircrew skills.

A valid Commercial Driver's License expands operational flexibility for test and deployment tasks.

Working knowledge of IP networking fundamentals and Linux command line interfaces aids rapid issue resolution.

Prior military or overseas contracting experience provides relevant procedural understanding.

Practical notes

This role may require travel to remote regions and extended stays in austere environments.

Onsite presence and participation in customer demonstrations and test events are expected.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.