Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor
Company: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)
Location: High Desert, California
Company Overview
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an esteemed affiliate of General Atomics, stands as a global vanguard in the development and manufacturing of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, alongside advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
Position Overview
GA-ASI proudly presents an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled and dedicated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor. Based in the High Desert of California, this vital role operates under general supervision and is instrumental in the evolution of emerging UAS training delivery. The Instructor plays a key part in coordinating comprehensive system operations efforts, encompassing critical areas such as resource management, meticulous planning, thorough briefing and debriefing, effective execution, accurate training documentation, and stringent adherence to ground and flight safety protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- The UAS Instructor serves as a full-time, permanent Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor and may also function as a Flight Examiner/Evaluator.
- Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on all facets of the company's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) family, encompassing aircraft hardware and software, and ground control station hardware and software.
- Ensures the safe operation of UAS throughout all phases of ground and flight operations.
- Provides comprehensive instruction to a diverse range of UAS operators, including students and instructors-in-training, covering all aspects of UAS ground and flight operations, mission management and integration, and maintenance coordination. This instruction includes academic, simulator, and live-fly components.
- Coordinates the integration of UAS capabilities into training delivery for all operational phases, supporting the development of training syllabus courseware through research, word processing, and presentation development.
- Ensures stringent compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations.
- Adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, obligations, and company policies when conducting business on behalf of the Company.
- Maintains and actively promotes a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications
- Candidates typically possess education or training equivalent to a four-year technical degree complemented by a minimum of six years of progressively complex aviation experience. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Required aviation experience must include significant time as an instructor pilot within a formal training program.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with instructor or multiple aircraft qualification is required, alongside 1,500 total hours and Multiple Aircraft Pilot Evaluator qualification.
- Demonstrated ability to meet all instructor pilot prerequisites prior to certification as a UAS Instructor.
- Proven ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers. Strong interpersonal skills that foster teamwork are essential.
- Capacity to work independently, collaboratively within a team environment, and to lead a team, including planning and coordinating work assignments, when required.
Required Skills & Certifications:
- Strong proficiency in computer applications and operations relevant to the position.
- A robust aviation background demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- Current FAA Commercial Certificate with an instrument rating.
- Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is required.
Desired Qualifications:
- Prior qualification as an instructor pilot in an aircraft with an air-to-air and/or air-to-ground role.
- Previous qualification as an instructor pilot and/or evaluator at a military formal training unit.
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) endorsement.
Additional Information
- Salary Range: $140,940 – $252,293
- Travel Percentage Required: 0 – 25%
- Relocation Assistance: Not Provided
- US Citizenship Required: Yes
- Workstyle: Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. The company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. Compensation discrimination is also prohibited under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.