Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, stands as a global leader in the development and provision of reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
Position Overview
GA-ASI is seeking a highly qualified Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor to join its team in the High Desert of California. This role involves the development of emerging UAS training delivery methods and the comprehensive coordination of system operations. Key responsibilities include resource management, strategic planning, conducting briefings, executing training, facilitating debriefings, managing training documentation, and ensuring both ground and flight safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a permanent, full-time UAS Instructor, with potential to act as a Flight Examiner/Evaluator.
- Function as a subject matter expert for all facets of the company's UAS portfolio, encompassing aircraft hardware and software, as well as ground control station hardware and software.
- Assume responsibility for the safe operation of UAS during all ground and flight operational phases.
- Provide comprehensive instruction to a diverse range of UAS operators, including students and instructors-in-training. Instruction covers all aspects of UAS ground and flight operations, mission management and integration, and maintenance coordination, through academics, simulator training, and live-fly instruction.
- Collaborate on integrating UAS capabilities into training delivery across all phases of UAS operations. This includes supporting the development of training syllabus courseware, involving research, word processing, and presentation development.
- Ensure strict adherence to all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations.
- Uphold all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies in all business conduct.
- Maintain and promote a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Undertake other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications
Typically requires education or training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and six or more years of progressively complex aviation experience. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
- Progressively complex aviation experience must include service as an instructor pilot in a formal training program.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with instructor or multiple aircraft qualification.
- A minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- Possession of Multiple Aircraft Pilot Evaluator qualification.
- Ability to meet instructor pilot prerequisites prior to certification as a UAS instructor.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Exceptional ability to interface and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all employee levels and with military and civilian customers. Strong interpersonal skills fostering teamwork are essential.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively within a team, and to lead a team when required, including planning and coordinating work assignments.
Must possess:
- Strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
- A robust aviation background, demonstrating a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.
- A current FAA Class II medical certificate.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a secret DoD clearance is required.
Desired Qualifications
- Previous 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) credential.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $140,940 – $252,293 annually.
Travel Percentage Required: 0 – 25%
Relocation Assistance: Not Provided
US Citizenship Required: Yes
Clearance Required?: Desired (Mid-Level, 3-7 years)
Workstyle: Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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 applicable local, state, or federal law. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.