General Atomics | Test Pilot

Test Pilot / Instructor Pilot / Flight Examiner

Company Overview:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a global leader in providing proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Position Summary:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced aviation professional to serve as a Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. This role functions as a subject matter expert across all facets of the company's Unmanned Aircraft Systems family, encompassing aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and the operational and experimental ground and flight testing of the entire product line. The position ensures the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations, procedures, flight test methodologies, and instructional techniques. This individual will serve as a primary consultant for executive management on aircraft development, flight test, and operational mission planning and execution, holding key responsibility for the safe operation of UAVs throughout all phases of ground and flight operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs duties 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 comprehensive mission planning, briefing, mission execution, and debriefing processes.
• Instructs UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training on all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, including academic platform instruction and in-flight instruction.
• Ensures strict compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
• Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, obligations, and company policies in conducting business on behalf of the Company.
• Maintains a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Consults directly with company engineering teams and senior management as a subject matter expert in the development of the company's aircraft product line.
• Develops and verifies operational procedures for integration with new aircraft features.
• Develops training syllabus courseware, involving research, documentation, and presentation development.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to support operational needs.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and a minimum of ten or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Must possess a strong aviation background and demonstrate a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts relevant to aircraft systems.
• Requires excellent organization skills, including proven ability in planning and coordinating complex work assignments.
• Must possess required FAA certifications and flight experience, including:
• FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and a 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.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on teamwork, verbal communication, and written communication.
• Ability to effectively interface with employees at all organizational levels, as well as military and civilian customers.
• Possesses strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position requirements.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required for this position.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience operating Predator, UAV, or equivalent Military aviator/military aviation experience.
• Possession of FAA instructor ratings (CFI and CFII) in manned aircraft.
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School program.

Salary Range: $140,940 to $252,293

Travel Percentage Required: 0% to 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

US Citizenship Required: Not explicitly stated as required for all applicants, but necessary for security clearance.

Clearance Required: Desired (Secret Level)

Workstyle: Onsite

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and 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. Compensation discrimination is also prohibited under applicable laws.