Air Vehicle Operator 2 - Deployed

AEVEX; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical coverage

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

AEVEX is hiring an Air Operations Officer responsible for coordinating ground and flight operations for national and tactical level customers. The role involves acting as Pilot in Command of UAS, mission planning, and providing extensive training. Applicants should have significant flight hours on UAS, a valid FAA license, and a DoD Secret Security Clearance. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• At least 100 flight hours on UAS platforms as PIC.
• Proficient computer skills with Office Suite.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Act as Pilot in Command of Unmanned Aircraft System.
• Provide Mission Coordinator support when not acting as PIC.
• Perform mission planning and coordination under various conditions.

Skills

Flight hours on UAS platforms

Communication skills

Teamwork

Computer proficiency

Education

High School Diploma/GED

FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL)

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Tools

Adobe forms manipulation

Job description

The AVO (Air Operations Officer) is responsible for coordinating ground and flight operations for national, theater, operational, or tactical level customers. The AVO coordinates mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, crew resource management, and safety for ground and flight operations, tasks aircraft between preflight and postflight, monitors vital aircraft systems, and is the pilot in command responsible for safe and legal flight of the air vehicle.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Provides Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
• Primarily supports higher tier, longer endurance systems driven by national or theater level customers.
• Performs mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
• Maintains a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; gains rapid understanding of mission target environments and associated dynamics; and is familiar with operational methods and infrastructure.
• Understands government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
• Meets or exceeds minimum performance standards outlined in the master training syllabuses.
• Formulates training programs, lesson plans, and schedules based on identified training needs, system requirements, or service needs.
• Selects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or computer-based training.
• Organizes and develops training manuals, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
• Trains assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Relocates to CONUS duty location.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

Standard Essential Functions

• Maintains regular and reliable attendance on a full‑time basis (or per posted schedule).
• Exhibits professional behavior with internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with company policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• At least 100 flight hours on UAS platforms as PIC.
• Proficient computer skills: Office Suite (specifically spreadsheets, collaboration/communication applications), and manipulation of Adobe forms.
• US citizen with a valid US passport.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
• Meets combatant command theatre entry requirements (e.g., CENTCOM).
• Maintains FAA Class 2 medical.
• Meets all DoD contractor deployment requirements and passes Combat Readiness Course.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passes a pre‑employment background check.
• Professional interface ability with management, customers, and peers.
• Ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
• Works in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
• Experience in aviation field at OCONUS (deployed) location.

Education / Certifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
• Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.

Experience

• 2–4 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations.
• Manned aviation experience – 500–1,000 hours.
• UAS flight hours (Group 3+) – 200–500 UAS PIC.
• Experience controlling aircraft Beyond Line of Sight and associated data links.
• Experience with PCC or other autopilot systems.
• OCONUS deployment experience is a must.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met 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:

• Constantly required to sit, reach to use computers and other office equipment.
• Constantly required for repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Constantly required to view objects at close and distant range with hand‑eye coordination.
• Occasionally exposed to high noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions.
• Must meet industry‑standard physical requirements to ensure safe and effective performance of duties. The role does not typically involve strenuous physical activity, but candidates should possess adequate fitness and health to withstand flight operation demands.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Benefits

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 for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX 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.