UAV Instructor/Operator Pilot
General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA-SI), an affiliate of General Atomics, provides military and commercial engineering services and is recognized as a leading expert in systems integration technologies, reliability improvements, and controls system design. The Aero Services division presents an exciting opportunity for a skilled and experienced UAV Instructor/Operator Pilot to join its team.
The UAV Instructor/Operator Pilot serves as a key Instructor Operator supporting General Atomics PBL US Army field operations. This role is critical in delivering aircrew training, conducting evaluations, and ensuring sustained flight operations for customer organizational units.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as an Instructor Operator for US Army field support, responsible for aircrew training, evaluations, and supporting sustained flight operations.
- Coordinate and actively participate in all aspects of ground and flight operations, including detailed mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, aircrew resource management, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
- May be tasked with remotely piloting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to verify compliance with specifications and assess operational suitability during flight tests and demonstrations, performing specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers.
- Ensure full compliance with applicable service guidance, company policies and procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Potentially develop and verify procedures for new aircraft features and contribute to the creation of operational and safety procedures and training syllabus courseware.
- Adhere to all laws, regulations, and obligations while conducting business on behalf of the Company and operate in a safe manner according to established procedures.
Qualifications:
Candidates are typically required to possess education or formal training equivalent to the completion of a four-year technical degree or trade school equivalency, coupled with two or more years of experience in UAV operation or aviation. Equivalent professional or military experience in UAV or aviation may be considered in lieu of formal education. Essential qualifications include:
- Demonstrated familiarity with Army forms, records, and publications, as well as Contractor Flight and Ground Operations procedures and records (DCMA 8210).
- A thorough understanding of UAV and FAA principles, theories, and concepts.
- A minimum of two hundred (200) hours operating in a UGCS/OSGCS (UAV Ground Control Station/Operator and Sensor Ground Control Station), with at least fifty (50) hours serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
- Hold a UAV instructor or multiple UAV aircraft qualification.
- Graduation from the DA or DES Instructor Operator Course for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle platform is required.
- Possess excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to effectively interface with employees at all levels, as well as military and civilian customers, contractors, and aircrew.
- Detailed knowledge of computer operations and various applications.
- Ability to maintain a FAA Class II flight physical is mandatory.
- Must be capable of working effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment. Flexibility to work extended hours and travel as required is essential.
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and welcomes all qualified individuals to apply. This is an onsite position requiring US Citizenship and an active Secret clearance. Travel is estimated between 25% and 50%. Relocation assistance is not provided. The salary range for this position is $65,350 – $99,805.