Chief UAS Pilot

Heven AeroTech; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off and sick leave

Job summary

Heven AeroTech is looking for a Chief UAS Pilot to lead our drone program across the United States. You will manage all drone operations, training, and regulatory compliance, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience with UAVs and is FAA certified. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package to support your professional journey.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years on secure RF or BVLOS operations.
• At least 1500 flight hours on multi-rotor systems.
• Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed-wing UAS.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all drone operations in the U.S.
• Manage training for drone pilots and ground crew.
• Collaborate with regulatory authorities for compliance.

Skills

Experience with secure radio frequency (RF)

Payload experience with EO/IR cameras

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Self‑motivated and disciplined

Training delivery and development

Education

FAA licensed with Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Class II medical certificate

Job description

Title: Chief UAS Pilot

Company: Heven AeroTech

Location: Sterling, Virginia

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: U.S. President of Operations

About Our Company

Heven AeroTech (Heven) is a recognized leader in hydrogen‑powered drones, building a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

Role Summary

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States within the defense, public safety, and commercial sectors. This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and regulatory compliance, ensuring safe and effective use of UAVs. The Chief Pilot acts as the primary pilot and aviation technical advisor, collaborating with various departments to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the United States drone program in collaboration with overseas offices.
• Oversee all drones, pilots, programs, and training for the United States.
• Work with supply chain management to source NDAA compliant parts and materials in compliance with cybersecurity and logistics requirements.
• Register all drones and collaborate with insurance agencies and FAA and other regulatory authorities.
• Act as the authorized primary pilot and aviation technical advisor, including support equipment such as ground control stations and hydrogen generation equipment.
• Develop, implement, and manage the training program for drone pilots and ground crew.
• Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew.
• Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel.
• Monitor and maintain flight crew records and qualifications in compliance with FAA regulations.
• Certify training pilots to train customer pilots on Part 107 flight operations.
• Develop and manage the flight plan review process 48 hours prior to flight and concise test reports/ summaries after flight.
• Develop and manage all necessary flight and maintenance logbooks across all flight and ground support equipment platforms and teams.
• Become intimately familiar with all product portfolio areas, including air vehicles, ground control stations, associated software, and ground support equipment.
• Support the development of sustainment‑ready military UAS by providing product feedback to engineering teams.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• At least five years practical experience with secure radio frequency (RF) or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and satellite communication (SATCOM).
• At least five years’ payload experience with EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging sensors, LiDAR, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and communication relays.
• Minimum of 1500 flight hours on a multi-rotor system as PIC with at least 40 take‑offs and landings within the previous 90 days.
• Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed-wing UAS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Self‑motivated and disciplined.
• Experience developing, writing, or maintaining programs and systems.
• Experience in training delivery and development.
• Ability to organize and maintain registrations, insurance, certifications, and training records.
• FAA licensed with at least a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a Class II medical certificate.

Preferred

• Experience deploying and leading UAS teams in hostile threat environments.
• Practical experience working with the DoD or law enforcement (federal, state, or local) deploying unmanned systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel 50% of the time, CONUS and OCONUS.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Benefits Overview

Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans; paid time off and sick leave; critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage; short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary Range

$125,000 – $190,000 USD