Field Operations Specialist

FIELD OPERATIONS SPECIALIST – NODA AI Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 50% travel) Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance   ABOUT NODA NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Our Field Operations team plays a critical role in bringing our technology to life through the assembly, integration, deployment, and field testing of unmanned systems that directly support mission-critical testing and operations. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.   THE ROLE We are seeking a Field Operations Specialist to support field deployments of our autonomous orchestration systems through hands-on technical work and operational coordination. This position combines field technician responsibilities with supervisory duties, requiring you to perform system assembly, integration, and troubleshooting while also supervising field technicians and managing deployment logistics. You'll serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding field logistics and administrative coordination, ensuring smooth execution of on-site operations while capturing customer feedback to support continuous improvement of our deployment processes. Travel up to 50%—including evenings/weekends during mission-critical events and demonstrations.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Engage with customers onsite, providing technical guidance and representing NODA professionally. - Assist in planning logistics for travel, shipping, and equipment readiness. - Build, wire, and test UAS/robotic platforms, payloads, and support equipment. - Track, repair, and maintain lab equipment, spare parts, and test assets. - Lead setup/teardown and technical troubleshooting at multi-domain field exercises. - Conduct inspections to ensure accuracy, durability, and repeatability of assemblies. - Maintain a safe, organized, and well-documented lab and field environment. - Draft and maintain event-specific documentation: assembly procedures, deployment logs, checklists, and after-action reports (AARs). - Verify platforms are flight-ready before transport and deployment. - Coordinate with engineering and mission teams to ensure event readiness. - Document issues and fixes in real time to capture lessons learned. - Oversee junior field staff during operations and ensure smooth team coordination.   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - U.S. Citizen (required). - High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate, associate degree, or equivalent military/industry experience preferred. - 2+ years of hands-on technical experience (assembly, lab, or field environment). - FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and must have RPIC & EP experience - Strong organizational skills and experience coordinating logistics or operations. - Comfortable working in both lab and outdoor field environments. - Ability to lift 60 lbs and work in dynamic field conditions.   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - IPC soldering or electronics certification. - Experience leading small teams in technical or field environments. - Familiarity with lab management or inventory software. - Comfort with scripting, dashboards, or log retrieval tools (e.g., Python, CLI, spreadsheets). - Familiarity with project management or collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Notion). - Self-directed and team-oriented, with a willingness to take initiative.   SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES - Strong leadership and communication skills. - Quality control mindset with attention to detail. - Ability to interact effectively with customers and represent NODA in the field. - Independent problem-solving combined with collaborative, team-oriented approach. - Comfortable balancing hands-on technical work with operational planning and supervision.   BENEFITS & PERKS Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: - We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans - 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match - Equity grants for new hires - Unlimited PTO - 11 Paid holidays - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December. - Generous Parental Leave - Military Leave for annual training or service requirements - FSA - DCFSA - HSA - Professional Development Opportunities - Access to One Medical https://www.onemedical.com/ - Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.   GROWTH PATH AT NODA A successful Field Operations Specialist will have opportunities to expand into leadership or specialized technical roles as NODA scales. Possible paths include: - Operations Manager – leading multi-site deployments and overseeing field operations strategy. - Test Lead / Operations Coordinator – managing test campaigns, mentoring teams, interfacing with customers. - Integration Engineer – focusing on advanced hardware/software integration and system bring-up.   Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.   As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.   Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.   NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.   #LI-FL1