Chief Test Pilot Tactical Systems

Job Overview

AEVEX Aerospace is looking for a skilled RC pilot to perform flight operations testing training demonstrations and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements. This skilled chief test pilot will have proven experience operating Group 3 VTOL jet turbine aircraft fixed wing and rotary unmanned aircraft systems in military flight test and operational environments. Expert in manual Radio Control flight operationsincluding takeoff landing and emergency recoveryensuring safe and precise control of UAS platforms for high-risk operations. Adept at supporting developmental testing working collaboratively with flight test teams excellent hand eye coordination and responding swiftly under pressure.

Essential Functions

• Operate as External Pilot for electric-hybrid VTOL fixed wing gas turbine UAS platforms exceeding 350 lbs in both test and operational missions.
• Coordinate closely with engineering and systems teams to define test requirements and provide feedback on UAS performance.
• Manually control aircraft via radio transmitter during launch recovery and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate seamlessly with Internal Pilots Mission Commanders and GCS Operators for safe and effective mission execution.
• Contribute to pre-flight briefings post-flight debriefings and overall flight test planning.
• Contribute to Test Readiness Reviews to discuss hazards risks and procedures for safe flight operations on experimental high-risk tests.
• Ensure flight operations adhere to airworthiness risk mitigation and test safety standards.
• Assist in the development of test cards flight procedures and enhancements to flight control systems.
• Observe document and help resolve flight anomalies and system irregularities.
• Adhere to stringent safety protocols mission SOPs and applicable airspace regulations.
• Deploy to both CONUS and OCONUS test sites in support of dynamic and high-priority mission requirements.
• Mentor and train new UAS pilots to enhance team capability and mission readiness.
• Log performance data and flight notes to support engineering analysis and continuous improvement.
• Lead pilot to perform training and pilot proficiency check out of new personnel and existing External Pilots.
• Conduct pre-flight planning mission briefs and post-flight debriefs.
• Oversee flight readiness and aircrew training for assigned UAS systems.
• Maintain and update test pilot logs technical flight data and reports.
• Participate in accident/incident investigations and flight safety reviews.
• Represent the company in customer and regulatory flight demonstrations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis or in accordance with posted schedule.
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the companys policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEXs cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of FAA DoD and/or ICAO UAS flight regulations.
• Familiar with military UAS operations and FAA regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of airspace coordination range safety and risk management practices.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
• Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
• Proficient in manual control of multi-rotor fixed-wing hybrid VTOL aircraft including gas electric and turbine platforms.
• Ability to fly complex systems with landing gear high wing loading high speeds and in challenging environments.
• Strong understanding of UAS flight control systems aerodynamics and recovery operations.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Ability to display flight competency through simulation and live aircraft operation.
• Proficiency in UAS mission planning software and flight control systems.
• Familiar with Mission Planner and ArduPilot flight controllers including associated hardware and software.
• Familiar with tuning and operating 2-stroke gas engines and turbines including performing maintenance.
• Ability to train and sign off on incoming External Pilots and assist with maintaining proficiency in AEVEX emergency procedures.
• Ability to work with Government Flight Representatives and customers in the capacity of lead pilot.
• Capable of operating in austere field environments while maintaining VLOS and situational awareness.
• Able to work in field environments and travel as needed for test campaigns.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written.

Education / Certifications

• High School Diploma/GED required Bachelors Degree preferred.
• FAA Class II Medical (or ability to obtain)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required (or military equivalent).
• Part-61 preferred
• Turbine Waiver
• Valid U.S. Drivers License and Passport

Experience

• 6-8 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations large scale work on developmental UAS preferred.
• Experience in relation to education level:
  • 5 years of related experience (HS/GED)
  • 3 years of related experience (Bachelors)
  • 2 years of related experience (Masters)
• 10 years Radio Controlled flight experience with complex models up to 55 lbs.
• Experience with test documentation technical report writing and flight data analysis.
• Experience with software tools for flight planning data analysis and mission management is a plus.
• Professional experience briefing both internal and external customers.
• Professional experience with the U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of Defense or other Government contracting agencies.
• Minimum of 500 hrs flight experience Radio Control and UAS Systems.
• Experienced in high-risk developmental flight testing simulator-based instruction and iterative system testing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time
• Frequently required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordination
• Occasionally experience a high level of noise adverse weather or temperature conditions
• Field and hangar/test range environments
• May involve occasional travel and extended deployments
• Physical ability to support field operations and system setup

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance Top Secret preferred.
• S. Citizenship required.

Disclaimer:

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race religious creed color sex (including pregnancy breast feeding and related medical conditions) gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation national origin ancestry citizenship status military and veteran status marital status age protected medical condition genetic information physical disability mental disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal state and local laws.

About AEVEX Aerospace

AEVEX Aerospace headquartered in Solana Beach California supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation remote sensing and analysis solutions. The companys capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing exploitation and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define develop and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government partner nations and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California Florida North Carolina Ohio and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits including a 401(k)-retirement plan comprehensive Medical Dental Vision Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company professional development funds and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling legal help child and elder care support among other benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race religious creed color sex (including pregnancy breast feeding and related medical conditions) gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation national origin ancestry citizenship status military and veteran status marital status age protected medical condition genetic information physical disability mental disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal state and local laws.