XSTAR Aviation | Pilot

Site Lead Pilot - Rapid City

Location: Rapid City, SD

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: $180,000 - $200,000

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

About the Role

XSTAR Aviation is seeking an experienced pilot to serve as the Site Lead Pilot for flight operations in Rapid City, SD, supporting the BSTAR aviation program. This position functions as a Chief Pilot, responsible for the safe, efficient, and standardized execution of all site flight operations. The Site Lead Pilot will provide day-to-day leadership to assigned pilots, coordinate with operations support, maintenance teams, and program leadership, and establish/maintain operational standards, reinforcing a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with company procedures and FAA regulations. The role also serves as the primary point of contact for USAF interactions at the site, coordinating effectively with government stakeholders. In addition to leadership duties, the Site Lead Pilot will actively participate in flight operations, supporting aircrew proficiency through multi-engine flight profiles in a dynamic environment. A limited ground duty portfolio will include overseeing site-level functions such as safety, scheduling coordination, and operational oversight to ensure mission execution and program continuity.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily flight operations at the assigned site.
• Act as Pilot in Command (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.
• 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 for effective scheduling, flight monitoring, and daily operations execution.
• 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.

Work Authorization / Security Requirements

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

Travel

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