Textron Aviation | Pilot

Skillbridge Pilot - Adversary Air

Please Note: This position is exclusively a Skillbridge opportunity. Only transitioning U.S. military members within 180 days of separation from active duty service are eligible to apply.

Company Overview:

Textron Systems, a Textron company, is a multi-industry leader renowned for creating innovative products across aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care, and fuel systems. This role is specifically within Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), a premier provider of tactical flight training and Adversary, Red Air, and Aggressor services. ATAC proudly supports the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Air Force by operating across numerous permanent sites spanning the CONUS, Hawaii, and the Pacific, delivering the highest quality live training to 4th and 5th Generation aircrew. ATAC holds the distinction of being the first civilian organization to support the USAF F-22 Raptors and USN/USMC F-35 Lightning IIs.

Position Summary:

An ATAC Skillbridge Pilot is responsible for conducting essential flight operations in a diverse fleet of vintage tactical aircraft, including the Dassault Mirage F-1, IAI F-21 Kfir, MK-58 Hawker Hunter, and AERO Vodochody L-39 Albatros. The pilot supports critical U.S. military training and readiness missions by acting as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor, or Close Air Support platform. This involves supporting 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions, as well as surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions. The role requires conducting flight operations from various ATAC permanent facilities and deployed locations, both domestically and internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employ ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor, or Close Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps, and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training.
• Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second Class medical certification, adversary mission qualifications, and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.
• Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings, and other pre-flight briefings; plan and fly adversary missions; accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings.
• Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions.
• Collect and disseminate lessons learned to enhance training effectiveness.
• Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
• Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
• Support additional program management duties as required, potentially including pilot scheduling, training, NATOPS/Standards & Evaluation, or Safety responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess prior DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot experience.
• Previously qualified as a 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead.
• Accumulate a minimum of 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed-wing DoD-owned/operated fighter aircraft.
• Log at least 100 hours PIC time at night.
• Have logged 100 hours PIC time within the preceding 12 months.
• Hold a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Possess an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single Engine Land Privileges.
• Hold a Secret Security Clearance and be a U.S. Citizen.

Specific Contract Qualifications:

• U.S. Navy Contracts: Require 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft, including 500 hours PIC of any fixed-wing DoD-owned/operated fighter aircraft.
• U.S. Air Force Contracts: Require 1200 hours total PIC of a tactical military aircraft and currency in a tactical fighter aircraft within the last 5 years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduation from USAF WIC, USAF adversary qualification, USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN, or TPS.
• Possession of a DoD military Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, Military or Civilian Flight Examiner, or Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification.
• Experience as an NVG Instructor or CRM Instructor.
• Holding an FAA CFI(I) Certificate.
• Familiarity with the DoD Commercial Air Services industry.
• Possession of FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (listing specific types is beneficial).
• Graduation from a DoD Safety School or Board President Course.
• Prior Squadron Command experience.
• Recent active fighter flying experience (details on type, hours, and last sortie date are helpful).
• Recent overall active flying experience (details on 1-year look-back per aircraft type are helpful).

Benefits & Culture:

Textron Systems values its talented employees, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates individuality and unique perspectives. The company is dedicated to employee growth and development, offering competitive benefits and compensation designed to support employee success both professionally and personally. Benefits may include flexible work schedules, education assistance, career development and training opportunities, a wellness program (including fitness reimbursement), comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(K) with company funding, and paid parental leave.

Military Veterans:

Textron highly values the skills and dedication of U.S. military veterans, recognizing their vital contributions to the protection of the country. The company actively seeks to hire veterans and translate their extensive experience into impactful roles within the organization. Preference is given to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Textron is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants selected will undergo a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information.

Job Details:

Recruiting Company: Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC)
Primary Location: US-North Carolina-Cherry Point
Job Function: Flight Operations
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Experienced
Shift: First Shift
Travel: Requires Deployment Travel
Job Posting: 06/25/2025, 2:33:22 PM
Job Number: 334248