Chris Ballou
About Chris Ballou
Chris Ballou is a Flight Test Engineer with extensive experience in drone operation and testing. He has worked in various roles, including as an Aerial Imaging Specialist and Multi-rotor Pilot, and holds an Engineer’s Degree in Computer Electronics from San Jose State University.
Current Role at Skydio
Chris Ballou serves as a Flight Test Engineer at Skydio, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he specializes in testing multi-rotor flight characteristics, contributing to the development and refinement of drone technology. His responsibilities include leading a small group of sUAS pilots for system testing, demonstrating leadership and coordination skills in managing test operations.
Professional Experience
Prior to his current role at Skydio, Chris Ballou worked in various positions that contributed to his expertise in drone operations. He served as a Multi-rotor Pilot and Aerial Systems Flight Tester at GoPro from 2016 to 2017, where he was involved in testing aerial systems. He also gained experience as an Accounting Support at Green Shoots Distribution and as a Sales Associate at Performance Bicycle. Additionally, he worked as a Server at The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Education and Technical Expertise
Chris Ballou studied at San Jose State University, where he earned an Engineer’s Degree in Computer Electronics from 2010 to 2019. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his technical expertise in drone systems. He is also a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, a certification required by the FAA for commercial drone operations, further validating his qualifications in the field.
Aerial Imaging Specialist Experience
Since 2017, Chris Ballou has also worked as a Freelance Photographer specializing in aerial imaging. This role allows him to apply his extensive experience as a pilot, having accumulated over 4000 hours as Pilot in Command. His freelance work complements his engineering role at Skydio, showcasing his versatility in both technical and creative aspects of drone operation.