DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Maryland seeks a Deployment Site Lead to manage on-site deployed personnel supporting customer operations and ensuring contract compliance and operational efficiency at the deployment site. When not deployed, you will support the Flight Operations Department with documentation management, operational planning, logistics coordination, and other duties.

Additional duties include training and mentoring personnel, liaising with government/military officials, and developing

Qualifications

• 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.
• 1,000 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command.
• Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations.
• DoD Secret clearance required.
• FAA Class II Medical Certificate required.
• Up to 100% CONUS/OCONUS travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-site lead, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring contract compliance and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command and conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Train and mentor deployed personnel on procedures and readiness.
• Coordinate between Platform, clients, and government/military officials.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment/operational issues to maximize mission readiness.
• Ensure safety, security, and regulatory compliance at the site.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reports.
• Manage housing, transportation, and welfare for personnel; lead pre/post-deployment briefings.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks and ensure mission continuity.
• Support Flight Operations with documentation, reporting, and process improvements when not deployed.

Skills

Leadership

Pilot in Command

Safety

Training

Compliance

Logistics

Stakeholder liaison

Contingency planning

Education

Bachelors in Unmanned Systems or related

Experience equivalent: 9+ years

Job description

JOB TITLE: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD

DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF OCONUS FLIGHT OPERATIONS

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

JOB SUMMARY: 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:

Vigilant Spirit experience.

• Quattro FMS experience.
• Research and development experience.
• Publication writing experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Private Pilot License.

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.