General Atomics | Test Pilot

Job ID: 54812BR | Location: Palmdale, California | Job Category: Pilots

Overview

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a global leader in remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. We are currently seeking a Supervisory Test Pilot to serve as a subject matter expert for our comprehensive family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Position Summary

The Supervisory Test Pilot acts as a key consultant for executive management regarding aircraft development, flight testing, and operational mission planning. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the standardization of ground and flight operations, instructional techniques, and the safe execution of all UAV phases. This role involves serving as a Supervisory Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform as an Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and Company Flight Examiner.
• Act as Pilot-in-Command for company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
• Lead mission planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing processes.
• Provide comprehensive instruction to student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training in both academic and in-flight environments.
• Ensure strict compliance with service guidance, company procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
• Develop and verify operational procedures for new aircraft features.
• Consult with engineering and senior management on aircraft development.
• Develop training syllabus courseware, including research and presentation development.
• Maintain a productive and safe working environment in alignment with corporate policies.

Job Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Equivalent to a four-year technical degree and six or more years of progressively complex aviation experience. Professional aviation experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Certification: Must possess an FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Flight Requirements: 2,000 hours total logged pilot time, including 1,500 hours Pilot in Command, 500 hours Cross Country, 100 hours Instrument, and 500 hours in turbine aircraft.
• Skills: Strong technical understanding of aviation principles, excellent organizational and planning skills, and proficient computer literacy.
• Interpersonal: Superior communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with employees, military personnel, and civilian customers.
• Compliance: Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Previous experience with Predator, UAV, or military aviation.
• FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
• Graduate of a Test Pilot School.

Additional Information

• Travel: 25% – 50% required.
• Clearance: Secret clearance required; U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Pay Range: $170,540 – $305,278 annually.
• Workstyle: Onsite.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is provided.

General Atomics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. We provide affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.