DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA is seeking a Deployment Site Lead to oversee on-site management of deployed personnel supporting customer operations and contract execution. You will serve as PIC, perform safety checks, train personnel, and coordinate with customers, government officials, and other stakeholders while ensuring mission readiness.

The role requires 1,000+ PIC hours, DoD Secret clearance, FAA Class II medical, and willingness to travel; strong leadership and logistics skills are

Qualifications

• DoD Secret Security Clearance required.
• Flight hours: minimum 1,000 as Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Experience supporting deployed UAS ISR operations.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Travel up to 100% CONUS/OCONUS may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site leader, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC), 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 deployment-related responsibilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Platform Aerospace, customer representatives, government and military officials, and other stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues to maximize mission readiness and aircraft availability.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, security, and operational requirements, including government regulations and company policies.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reviews to evaluate and improve operational effectiveness.
• Manage logistical and administrative requirements, including personnel housing, transportation, and overall welfare.
• Lead pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings to ensure personnel readiness and mission continuity.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risk and support uninterrupted operations.
• Support Flight Operations during non-deployment periods through documentation management, operational reporting, planning, and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required to support mission success.

Skills

Leadership

PIC

Training

Compliance

Logistics

Communication

Safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Systems or related field

Job description

JOB TITLE: Deployment Site Lead

DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations

REPORTS TO: Director of Flight Operations

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Job Summary The Deployment Site Lead oversees on-site management of deployed personnel supporting customer operations. This role ensures the seamless execution of contract requirements, personnel readiness, and operational efficiency at the deployment site. When not deployed, the Deployment Site Lead supports the Flight Operations Department through documentation management, operational planning, logistics coordination, reporting, and other operational support activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• * Serve as the primary on-site leader, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC), 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 deployment-related responsibilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Platform Aerospace, customer representatives, government and military officials, and other stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues to maximize mission readiness and aircraft availability.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, security, and operational requirements, including government regulations and company policies.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reviews to evaluate and improve operational effectiveness.
• Manage logistical and administrative requirements, including personnel housing, transportation, and overall welfare.
• Lead pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings to ensure personnel readiness and mission continuity.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risk and support uninterrupted operations.
• Support Flight Operations during non-deployment periods through documentation management, operational reporting, planning, and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required to support mission success.

Basic Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Vigilant Spirit.
• Experience with Quattro FMS.
• Research and development experience.
• Technical publication writing experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Private Pilot License (PPL).

Physical Requirements

• * Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including distinguishing wire and cable colors; moving, lifting, and carrying ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 50 pounds; working at heights; and climbing ladders.
• * Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.