Air Vehicle Operator 2 - LEA

Aevexaerospace; Fort Bragg (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Professional development funds

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Job summary

Aevexaerospace is seeking an experienced Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot in Command (PIC) to support Department of Defense operations in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This full-time, on-site role includes mission planning, execution, and coordination of UAS flight operations, requiring strong technical and communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have significant flight experience, a valid FAA Private Pilot’s License, and must be a U.S. citizen. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including medical insurance and 401(k).

Qualifications

• At least 100+ flight hours on UAS platforms acting as PIC.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience with UAS flight systems.
• Manned Aviation Experience - 500-1000 hours preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Provide Mission Coordinator support when not PIC.
• Supports higher-tier systems for national customers.

Skills

UAS experience

Technical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

FAA Private Pilot’s License

Instrument rating

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Tools

Flight operation tools

Office Suite

Adobe

Job description

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, on-site position with a waterfall schedule and shift work. Possibility of CONUS/OCONUS deployments.

Job Overview

This position serves as an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot in Command (PIC), supporting Department of Defense customers at the national, theater, operational, or tactical level. The AVO is responsible for all aspects of mission planning and execution, including preflight, launch, flight, landing, and post-flight tasks. They also monitor all aircraft systems throughout the mission to ensure safe and legal operations. The role includes coordinating ground and flight activities, maintaining situational awareness of mission environments, providing Mission Commander support when not acting as PIC, and producing PowerPoint presentations. Candidates must have strong technical and communication skills, UAS experience, and the ability to work extended hours in a team‑focused, fast‑paced operational environment. This position requires relocation to a CONUS duty location and the ability to meet all DoD and FAA requirements.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
• Primarily support higher‑tier, longer‑endurance systems, driven by national or theater‑level customers.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
• Demonstrate sound, timely decision‑making based on aircraft performance, mission requirements, and operational safety.
• Maintain a broad and up‑to‑date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; and be familiar with operational methods and infrastructure.
• Understands government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
• Meets/exceeds minimum performance standards as outlined in the master training syllabi.
• Relocate to CONUS duty location.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

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 company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Proficient computer skills: Office Suite, specifically spreadsheets, collaboration/communication applications, and manipulation of Adobe forms a must.
• Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport.
• Ability to meet combatant command theatre entry requirements (e.g., CENTCOM).
• Ability to meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and pass Combat Readiness Course.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pre‑employment background check.
• Ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• Ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
• Ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.

Education / Certifications

• Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Must have: (Customer Requirement)
• FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL).
• Instrument rating.
• Must possess a current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.

Experience

• At least 100+ flight hours on UAS platforms acting as PIC.
• Minimum 2‑4 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations.
• Manned Aviation Experience - 500‑1000 hours preferred.
• UAS Flight Hours (Group 3+ preferred) - 200‑500 UAS PIC.
• Experience controlling aircraft Beyond Line of Sight and associated data links.
• Experience with Piccolo PCC or other Auto Pilot systems.
• Work Experience in the aviation field in OCONUS (deployed) / CONUS locations.

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:

Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment; Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers; Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds; Constantly 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.

• Must meet industry‑standard physical requirements to ensure the safe and effective performance of duties. While the role does not typically involve strenuous physical activity, candidates should possess adequate physical fitness and health to withstand the demands of flight operations.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, 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 company's 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 for qualified employees.

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.