MQ-9 Pilot
Albers Aerospace LLC is a distinguished professional services firm dedicated to supporting U.S. military and commercial clients. As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), the company specializes in providing cutting-edge solutions across systems engineering, program management, logistics, production support, aircraft maintenance, and comprehensive aviation and aerospace services. Founded in 2015 on the principles of Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence ("ICE"), Albers Aerospace is committed to attracting top-tier talent to deliver industry-leading results for warfighters while prioritizing employee well-being. The firm possesses deep expertise in defense systems, aircraft acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization, and sustainment.
Job Details:
Job Title: MQ-9 Pilot
Department: Unmanned Aviation Services
Reports To: Director, Unmanned Aviation Services
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Employment Type: Full-Time/Flexible
Remote Work: This position features a rotational schedule of 90 days on-site in Yuma, Arizona, followed by 90 days off, with provided accommodation during the on-site rotation.
Security Clearance: TOP SECRET Required
Job Summary:
Albers Aerospace seeks a highly qualified MQ-9 Pilot, proficient in either Launch and Recovery (LRE) or Mission Control Element (MCE) operations, to provide critical support for United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation operations in Yuma, Arizona. This role is ideal for experienced MQ-9 pilots looking for a unique work-life balance through a scheduled 90-day on, 90-day off rotation, with company-provided housing while on duty.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for MQ-9 aircraft, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations.
- Actively participate in all phases of flight, including meticulous planning, briefing, execution, debriefing, and effective crew resource management.
- Strictly adhere to all applicable military, civilian, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight rules, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Apply expert technical knowledge and experience in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations to facilitate safe and efficient integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Develop comprehensive briefing and training materials to support ongoing flight operations.
- Collaborate effectively with U.S. Government organizations and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
- Conduct planning and performance of a wide range of in-process checks on analog, digital, microwave, optical, and mechanical systems and equipment under various conditions.
- Contribute technical expertise to ensure UAS integration into the NAS maintains existing capacity, upholds safety standards, avoids negative impact on current operators, and does not increase risk to airspace users or persons/property on the ground beyond that associated with comparable novel technologies.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Must be a qualified or previously qualified MQ-9 Pilot (with a Form 8 dated within the last 3 years).
- Possess a minimum of 200 hours as MQ-9 Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
- Hold a current FAA Class II Medical Certificate or a Department of Defense (DoD) equivalent.
- Ability to travel for CONUS/OCONUS deployments as required.
- Ability to possess or obtain a U.S. passport.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance (TOP SECRET required).
- Successful completion of prior DoD pilot training (e.g., USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, or equivalent fixed-wing training from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Coast Guard).
- Possess a Bachelor's Degree (relevant experience may be substituted).
OR
- Successful completion of Initial Formal Training Unit (IFTU) training in the MQ-9 via the 18X pipeline.
- Possess an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating, or an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating.
- Non-military pilots must provide copies of their Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- For pilots not previously qualified in MQ-9 Launch and Recovery (LR), documentation of Complex Airplane Endorsement and High Performance Endorsement is required.
- Provide the last page of the civilian logbook demonstrating total flight hours.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience as an MQ-9 Instructor or Evaluator Pilot.
- Accumulation of 500 or more MQ-9 flight hours.
- Last flight within the past 180 days.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.
Compensation:
This position offers an hourly rate of $85.00.
Benefits and What We Offer:
Albers Aerospace values its team members and provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth, including:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off (10 days in the first year, 15 days thereafter)
- Paid holidays (11 per year)
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Employer-paid Term Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance.
Note: The responsibilities listed are representative and not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned based on business needs. The scope of the position may evolve over time.
Albers Aerospace LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.