Test Pilot / Instructor Test Pilot / Flight Examiner
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and advanced surveillance systems, seeks a highly qualified Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert on the company’s family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), encompassing aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and operational and experimental ground and flight testing.
The successful candidate will ensure the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations, procedures, flight test, and instructional techniques. He or she will act as the primary consultant for executive management in all areas of company UAS development, flight test, and operational mission planning and execution. The Test Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
- Functions as an Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
- Acts as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
- Develops and executes mission planning, briefing, mission execution, and debriefing.
- Instructs UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, including academic (platform instruction) and in-flight instruction.
- Ensures compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
- Observes all applicable laws, regulations, obligations, and company policies.
- Maintains a productive and safe working environment.
- Consults directly with company engineering and senior management as a subject matter expert in developing the company product line of aircraft.
- Develops and verifies procedures for use with new aircraft features.
- Develops training syllabus courseware, including research, word processing, and presentation development.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
- Requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and eight or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Must have a strong aviation background and demonstrate a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- Must have excellent organization skills, including planning and coordinating work assignments.
- Must possess an FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- Must have 2000 hours logged total pilot time, including 1500 hours Pilot in Command, 500 hours Cross Country, 100 hours Instrument, and 500 hours in turbine aircraft.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
- Exhibits the ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
- Possesses strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
- Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Highly Desirable:
- Previous experience including Predator, UAV and/or Military aviator or military aviation.
- FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
- Test pilot school graduate.
The salary range for this position is $116,480 – $208,505. This position may require 0 – 25% travel. Relocation assistance is provided. US Citizenship is required. A Secret clearance is required. This is an onsite position.
General Atomics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.