Air Vehicle Operator IV (External Pilot)

AEVEX Aerospace; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AEVEX Aerospace is seeking an Air Vehicle Operator IV in Tampa, Florida, to lead UAV operations, ensure mission success, and provide support on DoD contracts. The ideal candidate has extensive drone experience, strong leadership abilities, and is driven by a commitment to safety and excellence in diverse environments.

Benefits

401(k)-retirement plan

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance

Professional development funds

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating UAVs or drones in various environments.
• Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
• Strong knowledge of UAV systems, including flight controls and navigation.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Pilot in Command of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Conduct pre-flight checks and plan flight missions.
• Perform routine maintenance and document flight activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Hand-eye coordination

Team building

Spatial awareness

Education

HS/GED minimum

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

Software tools for flight planning

MS Suite

Job description

Air Vehicle Operator IV (External Pilot)

Tampa, Florida, United States

Job Overview

AEVEX Aerospace is looking for an air vehicle operator to perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer 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.
• Ability to lead a team at the company level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program.
• Operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols.
• Conduct pre-flight checks to ensure that the aircraft is in proper working condition and all systems are functioning correctly.
• Plan and execute flight missions based on operational requirements, including route planning, payload management, and weather considerations.
• Monitor and maintain communication links with ground control stations during flight operations.
• Interpret flight data and telemetry to make real-time decisions and adjustments as necessary.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on UAVs to ensure continued airworthiness and reliability.
• Adhere to all relevant regulations and guidelines issued by aviation authorities, including airspace restrictions, licensing requirements, and privacy laws.
• Document flight activities, including mission logs, incident reports, and equipment maintenance records.
• Professionally brief both internal and external customers.
• Deploy to remote and austere locations.
• 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 company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Proven experience operating UAVs or drones, with a demonstrated ability to fly safely and effectively in various environments.
• Strong knowledge of UAV systems, including flight controls, navigation systems, sensors, and payloads.
• Previous qualifications as a UAS Operator (preferred)
• Working knowledge with software tools for flight planning, data analysis, and mission management is a plus.
• Demonstrated prior professional experience working overseas.
• Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Strong interpersonal and team building skills.
• Proficient MS Suite skills: Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

Education / Certifications

• HS/GED minimum
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 500 hours as Pilot in Command (Unmanned).
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent certification from relevant aviation authority.

Experience

• 10+ 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:
  • 8 years of related experience (HS/GED)
  • 5 years of related experience (Bachelors)
  • 4 years of related experience (Masters)
• 2 years demonstrated prior successful Lead Management experience at the company level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program. (Experience can be military, civilian, or contractor, or a combination of the three.)
• 1 year’s deployment experience in combat zones
• 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.

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
• For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

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

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.

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