This position reports directly to the Manager of Training and Standardization .
The ideal person for this role possesses a deep operational expertise in (s)UAS flight operations, standardization, curriculum development and project management.What
This role serves as a senior pilot for operational procedures, flight area oversight, and technical integration.
The ideal candidate would be experienced in cross-functional engagement, engineering collaboration, flight test support, procedural standardization, interpersonal communication, fundamentals of instruction, team leadership principals, and in creating safe, compliant, mission-ready, staff and operations.
CORE COMPETENCIES- UAS Flight Operations Leadership
- Operational Standardization & Audits
- Risk Management & Safety Programs
- Site Management & Flight Area Oversight
- Engineering & Flight Test Coordination
- Mission Planning & Briefing
- Technical Publications Review
- Knowledge of Emerging UAS Technologies and current market landscape
RESPONSIBILITIESThe following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
UAS Operations- Maintain proficiency and currency with all of KHA's emerging UAS technologies, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.
- Hold and maintain all required certifications
- Adhere to FAA regulations and guidelines, ensuring compliance during UAS operations and activities. Including but not limited to FAA Part 107, DOE Orders, restricted airspace protocols, and site procedures.
- Support demonstrations, field missions, customer operations, collaborative experimentation and equipment testing. Examples of UAS operational duties include. Delivering near real-time aerial intelligence, integrating UAS data into customer systems, flight operations drills, and emergencies.
- Assist with flight planning, pre/post-flight checks, risk assessments, and maintaining accurate maintenance and flight logs.
- Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and software updates on UAS platforms and ground control systems.
- Maintenance of your own personal flight records, active participation in training exercises, and maintain individual currency requirements.
- Adhere to Integrated Safety Management (including SP 1-3100), attend required meetings, and maintain a clean, organized UAS hangar.
- Travel up to 70%.
Standardization & Evaluation Support- Serve as a senior pilot authority for operational standards, flight procedures, and safety compliance.
- Conduct periodic audits of flight areas to ensure adherence to company and regulatory requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and standardize operational documentation and mission procedures.
- Manage revision control for risk assessments, mission briefs, and operations guidance.
- Lead or support updates to training content, instructional methods, and delivery standards.
- Provide data-driven recommendations to the Standardization & Training Manager to enhance operational performance
Subject Matter Expert Support- Work cross-departmentally with key stakeholders to stay current on emerging technologies and configuration updates.
- Act as pilot subject matter expert for engineering, providing operational insight on new technologies and system capabilities.
- Serve as lead liaison for engineering flight test requests, coordinating operational support and risk mitigation.
- Collaborate with technical publications teams to assist in accuracy and operational relevance of pilot-facing documentation.
- Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum 4 years of directly related experience
- Deep understanding and proficiency Defense related UAS products
- Strong attention to detail with strict adherence to operational and safety protocols
- Experience in conducting demonstrations, field operations, Initial qualification training and evaluations, curriculum development, and equipment testing
- Knowledge of UAS technology, airspace regulations, and industry best practices
- Excellent communication and instructional skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to trainees
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in UAS operations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Military Experience
- FAA Part 107 SUAS Remote Pilot
- FAA Part 61 Pilot
- 5+ years of directly related experience
- Secret Clearance (or eligible)
