UAS External Pilot
Location: Reno, Nevada
Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA), a leading aerospace company specializing in long-endurance unmanned aerial platforms, is seeking an experienced UAS External Pilot (EP) to join its team. KHA provides cutting-edge solutions for aerial reconnaissance, survey, communication relay, and communications provisioning across various industries.
Under the general direction of the UAS Pilot-in-Charge, the UAS External Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft during critical takeoff and landing phases, particularly when manual flight is required. The pilot will also support configured sensor and communications payloads and operate required mission support components during flight. This role involves assisting the GCS Pilot with mission planning, briefing, execution, and debriefings. The successful candidate must be willing to travel and conduct flight operations regularly in support of testing, demonstrations, and operational missions. Furthermore, the EP should be comfortable performing minor maintenance support duties for the Maintenance Engineer on the K1000ULE UAS.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Execute fixed-wing UAS remote piloting utilizing various hand controllers and Windows-based tablets.
- Qualify airfields based on aircraft takeoff and landing requirements.
- Maintain accurate flight logging and reporting.
- Perform comprehensive system checks and preflight inspections.
- Assist Maintenance Engineers with K1000ULE maintenance requirements.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to refine procedures and processes.
- Operate payloads as required to achieve desired mission objectives.
- Provide payload operator support throughout the planning, operational, and post-operational phases.
- Perform real-time remote operation of payload systems to meet mission requirements.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the mission system payload, working closely with platform operators to optimize results.
- Maintain broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations, quickly grasping current mission target environments and associated dynamics, and demonstrating familiarity with operational methods and infrastructure.
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for assigned operational personnel, applying effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies to mission requirements.
- Develop operational procedures, training programs, and post-mission products to meet customer expectations.
- Conduct needs analysis and confer with managers and supervisors to determine currency, proficiency, and training needs.
- Travel CONUS and OCONUS as required to support operational requirements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent civilian/military experience.
- Minimum of 4 years of prior remote piloting experience with fixed-wing UAS.
- Must possess a valid FAA Part 107 certification.
- Prior experience with external cameras, sensors, or mission payloads.
- Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.
- Strong organizational skills coupled with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to travel CONUS/OCONUS for at least 50% of the time.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to professionally interface with various levels of management, customers, and peers.
- Ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member to accomplish mission objectives.
- Must have and be able to maintain an active/adjudicated DOD security clearance (Secret or higher), or as required by the contract.
- U.S. citizenship required with a valid U.S. passport.
Kraus Hamdani Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.