Air Vehicle Operator - Instructor

Technology Service Corporation; Sierra Vista (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP contributions

401k Matching Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Leave

Job summary

Technology Service Corporation is seeking an Air Vehicle Operator – Instructor (AVO‑I) for its Sierra Vista, AZ FTU site. You will operate unmanned aircraft, lead training programs, and support mission planning. The role requires PIC experience, instructor background, and willingness to travel 10–30% (CONUS/OCONUS).

The candidate should meet FAA/ICAO standards, maintain currency, and contribute to standardization and evaluation activities. A competitive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• FAA Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating required.
• 2+ years LEA family of systems experience preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment background and security checks.

Responsibilities

• Pilot in Command for UAS, supporting daily flight training and operations.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
• Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support when not PIC.
• Develop training materials, lesson plans, and schedules.
• Maintain compliance with Flight Procedures, Training Procedures, and Safety rules.
• Work extended hours and travel 10–30% including CONUS/OCONUS.

Skills

Unmanned Aircraft

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication

FAA/ICAO procedures

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

FAA Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Air Vehicle Operator – Instructor (Full Time)

Location: Sierra Vista, AZ

Travel Required: 10%–30% for CONUS qualifications, evaluations, training, and may be required to travel OCONUS.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, TSC is an employee‑owned company that has been providing high‑quality technical services and solutions for our customers’ for over 50 years. Our diverse portfolio includes providing full lifecycle support in Precision Strike and Area Effects; Area Protection; Airborne Sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Vehicle Protection; Electronic Warfare Systems; Air and Missile Defense; Space Systems, and Intelligence and Information Systems.

TSC offers a professional working environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package.

Job Description

TSC's Innovation and Rapid Development Division is actively recruiting an Air Vehicle Operator – Instructor (AVO‑I) with group4 and above unmanned aircraft experience to join our team at our Test & Formal Training Unit (FTU) site located in Sierra Vista, AZ. Instructors with operationally deployed experience and/or formal schoolhouse instructing experience are encouraged to apply. This position will report directly to the Test and Training Site Lead and/or Director of Aviation Operations and is expected to adhere to, and ensure that others adhere to contractual obligations, Flight & Ground Operating Procedures (FOPS/GOPS), and any training/test/production/operational requirements as directed. As an AVO‑I, the individual will be responsible for; the safe operation of the LEA unmanned aircraft Family of Systems, effective and efficient training IAW the established syllabi, and may be required to serve as a member of the Standardization and Evaluation team. Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), supporting daily flight training, test, production and/or operational sorties.
• Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the unmanned aircraft system.
• Provide 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.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
• Must 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 outlines in the master training syllabuses.
• Formulates training programs, lesson plans and schedules, based on knowledge of identified training needs, systems requirements or service needs.
• Selects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or and 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.
• Work extended hours and/or shift work when required/directed.
• Relocation to CONUS duty location and 10%–30% travel (including OCONUS).
• Performs other related duties as directed.
• Air Vehicle Operator – Instructor (AVO‑I) Maintain qualification and currency (pilot and instructor).
• Perform instruction (only in areas in which current&qualified).
• Conduct Initial Qualification Training (IQT).
• Conduct Mission Qualification Training (MQT), if required.
• Conduct Local Area Orientation (LAO), if required.
• Conduct Difference Training (DT), if required.
• Train all tasks to required performance standards.
• Responsible for safe execution of Flight Operations.
• Immediately correct breaches of flying safety or flight discipline.
• Participate/Assist as required to ensure safe operations/recovery.
• Conduct all other training as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as directed.
• Work in compliance with and enforce: Flight Procedures.
• Training Procedures.
• Standardization & Evaluation Procedures.
• Flight and Ground Safety Procedures.
• Supports Internal Audits and performance reviews, tracks data for internal customers.
• AVO‑I appointed as an Evaluator: Conduct 18‑Month Evaluations.
• Conduct No Notice Evaluations.
• Conduct Spot Evaluations.
• Accomplish Associated Paperwork Document Trends.

Required Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of all components of aircraft: powerplant, electrical systems, RF systems, and troubleshooting aircraft issues.
• FAA/ICAO/DOD flight operational procedures.
• Flight standards, airworthiness, and safety.
• DCMA procedures and reporting.
• Authoring/editing technical orders and Compliance Procedures.
• Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures.
• Training & Evaluation Procedures.

Required Skills

• Exceptional knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment and get along with others.
• Ability to review, interpret, apply industry standards (FAA/ICAO), and ensure compliance to program requirements.
• Ability to quickly learn new Air Vehicle Systems, Technical Manuals, and procedures.
• Attention to detail and organization skills regarding aircraft logbooks and timeliness in completing required paperwork.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
• 2+ years LEA Family of Systems experience.
• 100+ manned flight hours acting as PIC.
• 500+ LEA Family of Systems flight hours as PIC.
• Must possess current FAA ClassII Medical Certificate.
• Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport.
• Must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
• Must meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and be able to pass a Combat Readiness Course (CRC).
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a pre‑employment background check.
• The ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• The ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
• The ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
• Work Experience in aviation field in a CONUS or OCONUS (deployed) location.
• Excellent organization skills to maintain aircraft logbooks, configuration.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with Flight and Ground Crews as well as air traffic control.
• Must meet requirements for CONUS and/or OCONUS duty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a flight instructor.
• Current and qualified AVO‑I on LEA Family of Systems.
• Flight Test Engineer.
• Test Pilot School.
• U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
• ACTIVE SECRET DoD Security Clearance Required for this Position: Yes
• Travel: Yes 10%, and up to 30%
• Relocation Assistance Available: Yes
• Position Contingent upon Award of Contract: No

Benefits

• TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package; including ESOP contributions, 401k Matching Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Leave and much more.
• TSC offers a professional working environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package.
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k Matching Program
• ESOP contributions

Legal and Equality Statements

These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation.

Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Additional Information

Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and drug screening.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, TSC is an employee‑owned company that has been providing high‑quality technical services and solutions for our customers’ for over 50 years. Our diverse portfolio includes providing; Airborne Sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Electronic Warfare Systems; Air and Missile Defense; Space Systems, and Intelligence and Information Systems.