General Atomics | Instructor

UGCS Qualified Pilot III / Instructor Operator (Non-Deployable)

Company Overview

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is globally recognized as a world leader in the development and manufacturing of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and sophisticated tactical reconnaissance radars, complemented by advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Position Summary

GA-ASI seeks a highly qualified and experienced UGCS Pilot III to serve as a Non-Deployable Instructor Operator. Operating under general direction, this professional is essential for coordinating critical ground and flight operations related to the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The role encompasses mission planning, execution, aircrew resource management, and ground flight safety oversight. The incumbent will be responsible for delivering multiple types of flight support services, including transition training, sustainment training, test event support, training curriculum development, and high-fidelity simulator operations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Acts formally as an Instructor Operator for GA-ASI, charged with training and evaluating both contractor personnel and Army operators on the Gray Eagle UAS. This instruction includes sustainment training, upgrade training, standardization flight evaluations, no-notice evaluations, and refresher training.
• Coordinates and actively participates in all facets of ground and flight operations, including detailed mission planning, successful execution, thorough briefing and debriefing, effective aircrew resource management, and comprehensive safety adherence.
• Ensures strict adherence to all service guidance, established company policies and procedures, and relevant Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
• May be tasked with remotely piloting vehicles to evaluate compliance with specific technical specifications and determine operational suitability during flight test and demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers.
• Contributes to the development and verification of procedures for use with new aircraft features, and participates in the creation of operational and safety protocols and training syllabus courseware.
• Maintains responsibility for observing all applicable laws, regulations, and other obligations wherever business is conducted on behalf of the Company, and is expected to work safely in accordance with all established operating procedures and practices.
• Demonstrates comprehensive familiarity with relevant Army forms, records, and publications, as well as Contractor Flight and Ground Operations procedures and records (DCMA 8210).

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires educational training equivalent to the completion of a four-year technical degree or trade school equivalency, combined with a minimum of five (5) or more years of experience in UAV operation or general aviation. Equivalent professional or military experience in UAV or aviation fields may be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Must demonstrate a detailed and comprehensive understanding of UAV principles, theories, concepts, and FAA regulatory standards.
• A minimum of five hundred (500) hours operating in a Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS), of which at least fifty (50) hours must have been logged as a Gray Eagle Aircraft Commander (AC).
• Graduation from a formal Department of the Army (DA) or Department of Defense Education Systems (DES) Instructor Operator (IO) Course is mandatory.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance is required. Customer-specific clearances may also be mandatory.
• Must possess detailed knowledge of computer operations and common software applications.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a current FAA Class II flight physical is required.
• The role requires flexibility, encompassing the ability to work both independently and within a dynamic team environment, often requiring extended work hours and significant travel (25% to 50%).

Highly Desired Qualifications (Preferred)

• Previous experience operating and/or instructing on the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) platform.
• Possession of a current FAA Private Pilot Certificate with an active instrument rating and the ability to maintain certificate and instrument currency, OR possession of a specialized aircraft system qualification.
• A strong technical background working with the Universal Mission Simulator (UMS) as well as the UGCS Embedded Trainer (ET) / Mission Server environment.

Job Details

Salary Range: $105,360 – $160,883

Travel Requirement: 25% – 50%

Relocation Assistance: Provided

US Citizenship Requirement: Mandatory

Clearance Requirement: Yes (Ability to obtain and maintain)

Workstyle: Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

General Atomics is dedicated to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. The Company recognizes and appreciates the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcomes all qualified applicants. General Atomics 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. EEO is the law. The organization also strictly prohibits compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.