Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Experimental Test Pilot & Flight Examiner
Company Overview
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, stands as a global leader in the development and deployment of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems, including tactical reconnaissance radars.
Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is seeking a highly qualified and experienced aviation professional to serve as an Experimental Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. This pivotal role requires an individual to act as a subject matter expert across all facets of the company’s comprehensive family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Responsibilities encompass detailed knowledge of aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software, and the execution of operational and experimental ground and flight testing for the entire product line. The position is critical for ensuring the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations, procedures, flight test methodologies, and instructional techniques. The successful candidate will serve as a primary consultant to executive management regarding aircraft development, flight test programs, and operational mission planning and execution, with paramount responsibility for the safe operation of UAVs throughout all phases of ground and flight operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Performs as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
- Serves as an Instructor Test Pilot and the company's Flight Examiner, ensuring high standards of flight proficiency.
- Acts as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of company Unmanned Air Vehicles during ground and flight operations.
- Develops and executes comprehensive mission planning, pre-mission briefings, in-mission execution, and post-mission debriefings.
- Provides thorough instruction to UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training, covering all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations, including academic platform instruction and in-flight practical training.
- Ensures strict compliance with all governing regulations, including military service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies in the conduct of all business operations.
- Maintains a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and best practices.
- Consults directly with company engineering and senior management, leveraging subject matter expertise for the continued development of the company's aircraft product line.
- Develops and meticulously verifies procedures for integration with new aircraft features.
- Contributes to the development of training syllabus courseware, including research, word processing, and presentation creation.
Essential Qualifications
- A four-year technical degree is typically required, alongside eight or more years of progressive experience in ground and flight test operations. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Must possess a strong aviation background with a comprehensive understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts related to aircraft systems.
- Demonstrates excellent organizational skills, particularly in planning and coordinating complex work assignments.
- Holds an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with a current Instrument Rating and a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- Minimum flight experience includes 2000 hours total pilot time, with 1500 hours as Pilot-in-Command, 500 hours of cross-country flight, 100 hours of instrument flight, and 500 hours in turbine aircraft.
- Possesses previous pilot experience operating General Atomics Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs).
- Exhibits strong interpersonal skills, emphasizing teamwork and effective verbal and written communication.
- Capable of effectively interfacing with employees at all organizational levels, as well as military and civilian customers.
- Possesses strong knowledge of computer applications and operational systems pertinent to this position.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Highly Desirable Qualifications
- Current FAA Instructor Ratings (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
- Graduation from a recognized Test Pilot School.
Additional Information
- Salary Range: $116,480 – $208,505
- Travel Required: 0 – 25%
- Relocation Assistance: Provided
- US Citizenship: Required
- Security Clearance: Required (Mid-Level, 3-7 years experience level)
- Work Style: Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
General Atomics is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, the company considers 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. The company strictly prohibits compensation discrimination under all applicable laws.