Job DetailsJob Location: Teal Drones - SLC, UT 84115Position 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.
Qualifications
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.
Qualifications
Job ID: 519603591
Originally Posted on: 5/1/2026
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