Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner to serve as a subject matter expert for the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This individual will be responsible for all aspects of the aircraft, including hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and operational and experimental ground and flight testing.
The Test Pilot will ensure the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, flight test, and instructional techniques. He or she will serve as the primary consultant for executive management in all areas of company product line of aircraft development, flight test, and operational mission planning and execution. A paramount responsibility is the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations.
Responsibilities:
- Perform as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
- Serve as an Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
- Act as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
- Develop and execute mission planning, briefing, mission execution, and debriefing.
- Instruct UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, including academic and in-flight instruction.
- Ensure compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
- Observe all laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Maintain a productive and safe working environment.
- Consult directly with company engineering and senior management as a subject matter expert in developing the company's product line of aircraft.
- Develop and verify procedures for use with new aircraft features.
- Develop training syllabus courseware, including research, word processing, and presentation development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Ten or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations.
- A strong aviation background and a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- Excellent organization skills, including planning and coordinating work assignments.
- FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- 3000 hours logged total pilot time including 2000 hours Pilot in Command, 750 hours Cross Country, 150 hours Instrument, and 1000 hours in turbine aircraft.
- Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
- Ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
- Strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
- Ability to maintain 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 $140,940 – $252,293. The position requires 0-25% travel. Relocation assistance is provided. U.S. Citizenship is required. A security clearance is required at the Secret level. This position is onsite.
General Atomics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.