General Atomics | Chief Pilot

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Pilot & Flight Examiner

About General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an esteemed affiliate of General Atomics, stands as a global vanguard in the development and deployment of proven, highly reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and cutting-edge tactical reconnaissance radars. The company is also renowned for its advanced high-resolution surveillance systems, contributing significantly to global security and technological advancement.

Position Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. The incumbent will function as a pivotal subject matter expert across all facets of the company’s diverse family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This includes comprehensive knowledge of aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and the full spectrum of operational and experimental ground and flight testing procedures for the company’s product line.

The Test Pilot ensures the rigorous standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations, procedures, flight test methodologies, and instructional techniques. This role acts as a primary consultant for executive management, providing expert guidance across all areas of aircraft development, flight testing, and operational mission planning and execution. A paramount responsibility is ensuring the safe operation of UAVs throughout all phases of ground and flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot for advanced UAS platforms.
• Serves as an Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner, upholding the highest standards of flight proficiency.
• Acts as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for Company Unmanned Air Vehicles during critical test and operational flights.
• Develops, plans, briefs, executes, and debriefs complex UAS missions, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
• Instructs UAS student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, encompassing both academic (platform instruction) and in-flight instruction.
• Ensures stringent compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations.
• Maintains a productive and safe working environment, adhering strictly to established operating procedures and practices.
• Consults directly with company engineering and senior management, providing expert subject matter input crucial for the development of the company’s aircraft product line.
• Develops and meticulously verifies procedures for integration with new aircraft features and technologies.
• Develops comprehensive training syllabus courseware, including conducting thorough research, word processing, and presentation development.
• Observes all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies in all business conduct on behalf of General Atomics.

Qualifications

Required Attributes:

• Typically requires educational attainment or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree combined with ten or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations.
• Must possess a robust aviation background demonstrating a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts pertinent to aviation and UAS operations.
• Exceptional organizational skills are required, including the ability to effectively plan and coordinate complex work assignments.
• Must possess the following specific aviation credentials and experience:
  • FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating.
  • Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
  • Minimum of 2,000 logged total pilot hours, including:
    • 1,500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
    • 500 hours Cross Country
    • 100 hours Instrument
    • 500 hours in turbine aircraft
  • Demonstrated prior pilot experience flying General Atomics UAVs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a pronounced emphasis on teamwork, effective verbal communication, and clear written communication.
• Proven ability to effectively interface with employees at all organizational levels, as well as military and civilian customers.
• Profound knowledge of computer applications and operations directly relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality of sensitive information.

Highly Desirable Attributes:

• Possession of FAA instructor ratings (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
• Graduation from a recognized Test Pilot School.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $170,540 – $305,278
• Travel Percentage Required: 0 – 25%
• Relocation Assistance: Provided
• US Citizenship Required: Yes
• Clearance Required: Yes
• Clearance Level: Mid-Level (3-7 years experience)
• Workstyle: Onsite