XSTAR Aviation | Pilot

Job Overview

XSTAR Aviation is seeking an experienced pilot to serve as the Site Lead Pilot for flight operations at Rapid City, SD, supporting the BSTAR aviation program. This role functions similarly to a Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and standardized execution of all site flight operations. The Site Lead Pilot provides day-to-day leadership of assigned pilots and coordinates closely with operations support personnel, maintenance teams, and program leadership to ensure consistent and reliable execution of flight operations. This individual will establish and maintain operational standards, reinforce a strong safety culture, and ensure alignment with company procedures and FAA regulations. The Site Lead Pilot serves as the primary point of contact for all USAF interactions at the site, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and alignment with government stakeholders. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Site Lead Pilot will actively participate in flight operations and support aircrew proficiency through execution of multi-engine flight profiles in a dynamic operational environment. The Site Lead Pilot will also maintain a limited ground duty portfolio and oversee site-level functions such as safety, scheduling coordination, and operational oversight to ensure mission execution and program continuity.

Location: Rapid City, SD

Employment Type: Full Time

Schedule: Workdays are typically Monday through Friday, with schedules aligned to the weekly flying window.

Compensation: $180,000 - $200,000 Salary

Benefits: 401K Contribution, Full Medical Health Coverage, HSA-FSA Plans available, Long Term Disability, Flexible Vacation.

Relocation: Pilots must live, or be willing to relocate, within 30 minutes of Rapid City SD. This is not a commuter position.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily flight operations at the assigned site.
• Act as PIC and conduct safe and efficient multi-engine flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 91 regulations and company procedures.
• Establish, implement, and maintain standardized operating practices across the pilot group.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for USAF personnel and site-level government coordination, ensuring clear communication and alignment with program objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for site-level operational issues, coordination, and execution.
• Supervise and mentor assigned pilots, fostering professional development and operational consistency.
• Coordinate closely with operations support personnel to ensure effective scheduling, flight monitoring, and execution of daily operations.
• Collaborate with maintenance personnel to ensure aircraft availability and operational readiness.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, including participation in safety programs and reporting processes.
• Participate in flight operations, executing proficiency-focused flight profiles as required.
• Oversee and support assigned ground duty functions (e.g., safety, scheduling oversight, training coordination).
• Support program leadership with reporting, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent XSTAR Aviation professionally in interactions with military personnel, government stakeholders, and industry partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2,500 hours total flight time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)
• 750 hours of PIC time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)
• 500 hours of instructor time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)
• 500 hours of turbine time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)
• Prior military pilots who do not meet these minimums may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine privileges.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an aviation operational environment (e.g., Chief Pilot, Flight Lead, Instructor Supervisor, Military Flight Commander, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in multi-engine flight operations.
• Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class II or higher).
• Strong aeronautical decision-making and risk management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and operate effectively in a small-team, high-responsibility environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-engine turbine experience.
• Prior military aviation leadership experience.
• Previous experience as a Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or equivalent leadership role.
• Experience operating under FAA Part 91 or Part 135 environments.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience managing pilot scheduling, standardization, or safety programs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to operate aircraft safely and perform duties associated with flight operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA medical certificate (Class II or higher).
• Prolonged periods sitting in aircraft and/or at a computer workstation.

Travel Requirements

Limited travel may be required for program coordination, training, or aircraft repositioning.

Work Authorization / Security Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer

XSTAR Aviation is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.