Crew Chief

About the role

The Crew Chief role at Mach Industries establishes ownership over the complete lifecycle of unmanned aerial systems in active service. You will manage the execution of field testing, operational procedures, and readiness activities for critical defense missions. This position requires leading resolution efforts that span engineering, manufacturing, and operational functions to ensure mission success. The Crew Chief must exercise sound judgment during both domestic and international deployments under demanding conditions. You will enforce rigorous configuration control and documentation standards across all vehicle hardware and software changes. The role involves acting as the central coordination point between operations, engineering, and manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement. You will analyze fleet performance data to identify reliability trends and implement corrective actions that enhance system availability. Ultimately, this position is accountable for maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and accountability for all assigned UAS platforms.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Assume ownership of fleet readiness and maintenance systems to ensure UAS compliance with flight and operational standards.
• Lead maintenance execution, troubleshooting, and repair workflows to sustain system reliability and availability.
• Enforce strict configuration control across all vehicle hardware and software revisions with accurate and timely documentation.
• Conduct post-manufacturing inspections and flight acceptance checks to validate airworthiness and deployment readiness for every mission.
• Act as the central liaison between operations, engineering, and manufacturing to resolve issues and drive actionable improvements.
• Maintain comprehensive technical records, including detailed maintenance logs, standard operating procedures, and configuration tracking databases.
• Lead and develop field drone technicians to ensure standardized execution, accountability, and continuous skill development across the team.
• Coordinate logistics for domestic and international operations to preserve mission integrity and schedule adherence under tight timelines.
• Analyze fleet performance and reliability data to identify systemic trends and recommend continuous improvement actions to engineering and operations.
• Perform advanced diagnostic assessments on complex autonomous systems to isolate faults and restore full operational capability.
• Develop and refine maintenance procedures and checklists based on field performance data and evolving mission requirements.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance for all maintenance and operational activities.
• Support the integration of new hardware and software updates into deployed systems with minimal operational disruption.
• Provide expert-level guidance to junior personnel on best practices for system upkeep and field repairs in challenging environments.
• Manage inventory of critical spare parts and support equipment to sustain uninterrupted operational readiness.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in autonomous systems field operations managing multiple vehicles concurrently.
• Regular use of mission planning software such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner for pre-flight and operational planning.
• Hands-on experience with Ardupilot or PX4 flight stacks in real-world operational scenarios across various environments.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-field operational troubleshooting and rapid problem resolution under pressure.
• Experience conducting international field operations and managing complex vehicle logistics across different jurisdictions.
• Willingness to travel within domestic locations and internationally as required to support mission objectives and operational needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain meticulous attention to detail in high-stakes environments where accuracy is critical to success.
• Capability to interpret technical documentation and translate requirements into actionable maintenance and operational procedures.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, reliability, and integrity in all operational contexts.

Nice to have

• Proven experience leading UAS field operations teams, including tasking, accountability, and performance management of personnel.
• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance, aviation systems, or military and defense operations with specific airworthiness expertise and certifications.
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis, reliability tracking, or failure trend identification to guide maintenance strategies and design improvements.
• Capability to perform effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced settings with a strong sense of ownership and continuous improvement mindset.
• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one for access to classified or controlled information necessary for mission execution.

Practical notes

This role may require access to information restricted under U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment offers can depend on eligibility for software or technology controls under these laws without sponsorship for an export license. You will work within the E-Verify program and provide Form I-9 information to the federal government as required. Standard working hours apply, though travel may occur domestically and internationally as mission requirements dictate. This position is based in Huntington Beach, California, and is offered as a full-time engagement with a comprehensive compensation package that includes equity grants.