UAV Pilot and Instructor - Aero Services Team
General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA-SI), a leading provider of military and commercial engineering services renowned for its expertise in systems integration technologies, reliability improvements, and controls system design, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced UAV Pilot and Instructor to join their Aero Services Team in a Flex-Deployable Capacity.
This exciting opportunity offers a unique hybrid role encompassing both instructional and operational responsibilities. The successful candidate will play a critical part in shaping the future of unmanned aviation by training the next generation of UAV pilots while maintaining their own operational proficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Flight Operations Leadership: Oversee and actively participate in all aspects of ground and flight operations, including meticulous mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, and ensuring adherence to stringent aircrew resource management and safety protocols.
- Flight Testing and Evaluation: Skillfully pilot unmanned vehicles to rigorously evaluate their performance against specifications and operational suitability during engineering tests, flight test demonstrations, and specifically prescribed maneuvers.
- Program Development and Execution: Define, plan, organize, and execute complex flight programs and flight test events, ensuring strict compliance with service guidance, company policies and procedures, and all relevant Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Procedure Development and Training: Develop and meticulously verify procedures for seamless integration of new aircraft features, crafting comprehensive operational and safety procedures, and contributing to the development of engaging training syllabi and courseware.
- Customer Engagement and Representation: Conduct compelling demonstrations and actively participate in operational and experimental ground and flight tests of assigned UAVs, effectively representing the organization to senior military and commercial customers.
- Instruction and Evaluation: Provide expert instruction to UAV student pilots and instructor pilots-in-training, encompassing both ground and flight operations, and conduct thorough evaluations of UAV pilots to ensure standardization of company procedures and best practices.
Qualifications:
- Education and Experience: A four-year technical degree or trade school equivalency coupled with a minimum of seven years of demonstrable experience in UAV operation or aviation is required. Equivalent professional or military experience in UAV or aviation may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Technical Expertise: A comprehensive understanding of UAV and FAA principles, theories, and concepts is essential.
- Pilot Certifications and Qualifications: Possession of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with a current instrument rating and the ability to maintain instrument currency is mandatory. Alternatively, documented evidence of DOD specialized remotely piloted aircraft system training/qualification on USAF Form 8 or an equivalent is acceptable.
- Flight Experience: A minimum of 500 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is required, with prior experience as a UAV instructor or qualification on multiple UAV aircraft platforms being highly desirable. A minimum of 1,200 UAV hours is preferred.
- Additional Requirements: The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with all levels of employees, senior management, and senior military and civilian customers, contractors, and aircrew. Proven proficiency in computer operations and applications is necessary. The ability to work independently and thrive in a team environment is crucial, as is the willingness to work extended hours and travel as required.
This position requires US Citizenship and a Secret Clearance.
General Atomics values a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunity.
If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for aviation and a desire to make a significant contribution to the future of unmanned flight, we encourage you to apply.