Test Pilot / Instructor Test Pilot / Flight Examiner
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a recognized world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. The company offers a dynamic opportunity for an experienced aviation professional to join its team.
This position serves as a Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. The role functions as a subject matter expert across all facets of the company’s family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), encompassing aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and the operational and experimental ground and flight testing of the company's product line. The incumbent ensures standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations, procedures, flight test protocols, and instructional techniques. This position is a primary consultant for executive management regarding company product line development, flight test execution, and operational mission planning. A critical responsibility is ensuring the safe operation of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) during all phases of ground and flight operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
- Serves 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, execution, and debriefing processes.
- Instructs UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training on all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, including platform and in-flight instruction.
- Ensures strict compliance with all governing regulations, including service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
- Observes all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies during business operations.
- 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 to inform the development of the company's aircraft product line.
- 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 or required.
Job Qualifications:
- Typically 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 possess a strong aviation background and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts related to aviation and unmanned systems.
- Requires excellent organizational skills, including proficiency in planning and coordinating work assignments.
- Must possess:
- FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- A minimum of 2000 hours of 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 effective verbal and written communication.
- Possesses the ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
- Holds strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
- Maintains the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Highly desirable qualifications include:
- Previous experience with Predator or other UAV systems, or military aviator/aviation experience.
- FAA instructor ratings (CFI and CFII) in manned aircraft.
- Graduation from a recognized test pilot school.
Job Details:
- Salary Range: $116,480 – $208,505
- Travel Percentage Required: 0 – 25%
- Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
- US Citizenship Required: Yes
- Clearance Required: Yes
- Clearance Level: Mid-Level (3-7 years)
- 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. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.