DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace is seeking a Deployment Site Lead to manage on-site deployed personnel supporting customer operations in Virginia. You will ensure contract compliance, personnel readiness, and efficient operations at the deployment site, and assist the Flight Operations Department with documentation, planning, and logistics when not deployed.

You will serve as PIC during flights, mentor staff, and liaise with client representatives and government officials while maintaining safety, security,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Systems or related field; 5+ years of related experience, or 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Minimum of 1,000 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
• Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations.
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site lead, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring compliance with contract requirements and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command, performing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Train and mentor deployed personnel on procedures and readiness.
• Act as the main point of contact between Platform, clients, and government/military officials.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues to maximize readiness and aircraft availability.
• Ensure adherence to safety, security, and compliance policies and regulations.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reports to assess operational effectiveness.
• Manage housing, transportation, and welfare for personnel; coordinate logistics and administration.
• Lead pre/post-deployment briefings and develop contingency plans for mission continuity.
• Support Flight Operations when not deployed with documentation management and process improvements.

Skills

PIC hours

UAS ISR deployment

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Systems or related field

Job description

The Deployment Site Lead will oversee the on-site management of deployed personnel supporting customer operations. This role ensures seamless execution of contract requirements, personnel readiness, and operational efficiency at the deployment site. Additionally, when not deployed, this role will support the Flight Operations Department with documentation management, operational planning, logistics coordination, and other duties.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary on-site lead, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command, performing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks while ensuring safe and efficient aircraft operations.
• Train and mentor deployed personnel on operational procedures, compliance requirements, and other deployment-related aspects to maintain readiness.
• Act as the main point of contact between Platform, client representatives, government/military officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues to maximize mission readiness and aircraft availability.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, security, and compliance policies, including government regulations and company standards.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reports to assess and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Manage logistical and administrative requirements, including personnel housing, transportation, and overall welfare.
• Lead pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings to ensure personnel are adequately prepared and debriefed.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risks and ensure mission continuity.
• Support Flight Operations when not deployed, assisting with documentation management, operational reporting, and process improvements.
• Perform additional duties as required to support overall mission success.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Systems or related field with 5+ years of related experience, or 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Minimum of 1,000 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
• Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations.
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Research and development experience.
• Publication writing experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including but not limited to perceiving differences in wire cable colors, moving and/or lifting items such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 50 pounds, working aloft, and climbing ladders.