JOB TITLE: UAV Pilot/Instructor III
DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations
REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training Manager
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.Job SummaryThe UAV Pilot/Instructor will support the operation and training of Vanilla UAS platforms. This role oversees ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions while providing technical support. The UAV Pilot/Instructor plays a key role in mission success and program development through technical expertise and operational excellence.
Duties and Responsibilities- Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements.
- Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
- Remotely pilot UAS aircraft, following established flight plans or modifying them to meet mission objectives.
- Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational procedures and safety standards.
- Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) months at a time, as required.
- Conduct customer flight demonstrations at remote locations.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximize mission readiness.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Requirements - Level I- High school diploma or GED and 2-5 years of manned or UAS flight experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 4 years.
- 1 year of flight instruction or customer-facing technical training experience.
- Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
- Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
- Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.
Basic Requirements - Level II- High school diploma or GED and 5-7 years of manned or UAS flight experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
- 2+ years of flight instruction or customer-facing technical training experience.
- Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
- Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
- Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.
Basic Requirements - Level III- High school diploma or GED and 7+ years of manned or UAS flight experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years.
- 5+ years of flight instruction or customer-facing technical training experience.
- Minimum of 500 flight hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
- Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
- Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
- Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.
Preferred Qualifications- Completion of training or a degree in Aviation, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience supporting deployed UAS ISR operations.
- Experience with Vigilant Spirit.
- Experience with Quattro FMS.
- Research and development experience.
- Technical publication writing experience.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Private Pilot License (PPL).
Physical Requirements- Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including distinguishing wire and cable colors; moving, lifting, and carrying equipment such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 100 pounds; working at heights; and climbing ladders.
- Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.
