Amentum | Chief Pilot

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Chief Pilot

Job ID: R0161222

Location: Atlantic City, NJ (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full Time

Position Summary

Amentum is seeking a professional Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Chief Pilot to support FAA projects at the FAA Tech Center in New Jersey. This role provides leadership in small UAS photogrammetric mapping and advanced sensor mapping systems, contributing to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and environmental/facilities geospatial information management. The Chief Pilot will oversee flight operations, mission planning, airspace coordination, data management, and operational safety within the Amentum Geospatial Information Systems team.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) or Visual Observer for flight planning, execution, and risk management.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-flight planning, including weather analysis, NOTAM reviews, and airspace/tower coordination.
• Implement operational risk management reviews and validate UAS/sensor mission readiness, integration, and capabilities.
• Perform drone pre-flight inspections, evaluating environmental factors such as obstructions, lighting, and payload settings (RGB, thermal, and LiDAR).
• Execute mission requirements, document flight reports, and maintain accurate pilot and maintenance logbooks.
• Manage equipment testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and inventory documentation.
• Collect, handle, and process UAS data, including photogrammetry, ground surveys, and design documents.
• Perform ground control surveys using RTK/PPK GPS equipment.
• Ensure data accuracy and that deliverables meet professional standards.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautics, engineering, computer science, environmental science, or a related field (or equivalent year-for-year experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of UAS piloting experience.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel as needed to conduct missions and transport equipment.
• Strong technical capacity with the ability to master diverse hardware, software packages, and workflows.

Desired Qualifications

• Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Experience with GPS and GPS RTK field collection equipment and software.
• Applied knowledge of surveying references (coordinate systems, projections, datums, geoids, and state plane zones).
• Proficiency in geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Pix4D, or Drone2Map.
• Experience with GIS Surveying (Total Station, Topographic Mapping).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $80,779 - $107,131

Actual compensation is determined by factors including responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, and market data.

Benefits Overview: Amentum offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits with 401(k) matching; paid time off and holidays; educational reimbursement; parental leave; disability and life insurance; an employee stock purchase plan; tax-saving options; and pet insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, ancestry, military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship, or disability, provided the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.