Test Pilot / Instructor Pilot / Flight Examiner
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems, is seeking a qualified professional to serve as a Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. This position is responsible for acting as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), encompassing aircraft hardware/software, ground control station hardware/software, and the operational/experimental ground and flight testing of the product line. The role ensures standardization of company aircraft ground/flight operations, procedures, flight test techniques, and instructional methods.
The Test Pilot serves as a primary consultant for executive management across all areas of company aircraft development, flight test, and operational mission planning and execution. A core responsibility is ensuring the safe operation of UAVs during all phases of ground and flight operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
- Acts as an Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
- Serves 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.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, applicable obligations, and company policies wherever and whenever business is conducted 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 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 or required.
Job Qualifications:
Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and ten 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 complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- Requires excellent organization skills, including planning and coordinating work assignments.
- Must hold:
- FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- 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 emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
- 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.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Highly Desirable Qualifications:
- 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.
Additional Information:
- Salary Range:
- $140,940 – $252,293
- Travel Percentage Required:
- 0 – 25%
- Relocation Assistance:
- Provided
- US Citizenship Required?
- Yes
- Clearance Required?
- Yes
- Clearance Level:
- Senior (8+ years)
- Workstyle:
- Onsite
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will 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.