External Pilot

Textron; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,705 - 63,769; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

Textron is looking for an External Pilot to support their Uncrewed Air and Land Systems initiatives in Maryland. This role involves flying various UAVs and will consist of opportunities in research, flight tests, and customer training. Ideal candidates should have Aerosonde/UAS experience or extensive RC flying background.

The position includes responsibilities in flight operations, maintenance, and requires willingness to travel domestically and internationally. A focus on safety and accuracy in operational procedures is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Two years prior Aerosonde/UAS experience is highly desirable.
• FAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable.
• Experience with radio datalinks and mesh networks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Aerosonde External Pilot for R&D operations.
• Maintain accurate logbooks and flight records.
• Assist engineering with product improvements.

Skills

Aerosonde/UAS experience

R/C helicopter pilot proficiency

Effective communication

Ability to multitask and prioritize

General Mechanical or Electrical aptitude

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Electronic Speed Controllers

GPS systems

Small hand tools

Electronic and mechanical test equipment

Job description

External Pilot

Description

Who We Are

We are Textron Systems, best known for innovative defense technologies and services. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. We are a part of Textron Inc, one of the world’s leading multi-industry companies, recognized for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, E-Z-GO and many more.

This role is in Textron System’s Uncrewed Land and Air Systems business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & HoweandHowe.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About This Role

In this role, you will provide External Pilot support to the various initiatives underway within Textron Systems Uncrewed Air and Land. In this role, you will have the opportunity to fly various aircraft ranging in size from Group1 to Group 3 UAS as fixed wing and VTOL platforms. This position is focused on research and development activities. Duties include but are not limited to; assisting project engineering with all aspects of new product integration, implementation, and testing in both ground and flight environments, support of new integration flight tests, customer training and support, system capability demonstration flights, and New Aircraft Check Out (NACO) of production UAS platforms at operational locations around the globe. Additional duties will include emplacement, displacement, periodic and routine inspection, required maintenance, and replenishment of other associated ground equipment as well as proper notation of logbooks and records. Duties and responsibilities will require travel both domestically and internationally in support of our product line and customer relations. Additional daily duties may occur on a situational basis and will be assigned as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Aerosonde External Pilot supporting Training, Demonstration, and Research/Development operations. Performing all required flight duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Represent the Aerosonde Internal Research and Development team in coordinating local flight test needs.
• Perform tasks including integration, troubleshooting, emplacement, displacement, inspection, disposition, repair, and replenishment of associated equipment.
• Maintain accurate logbooks, flight records, and COLTS documentation.
• Manage frequency deconfliction, airspace reservations, and test site preparation, including requisitioning supplemental Ground Support Equipment.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for operator and maintenance-related issues.
• Assist multiple engineering disciplines with integration, test of product improvements.
• Assist in the preparation of test engineering work products, including test plans, procedures, and reports, to internal review teams and external customers.
• Support offsite testing and demonstrations.
• Actively perform lab maintenance, safety audits, and material tracking.
• Serve as the liaison between Engineering, Training and Publications teams, and other users.
• Use small hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, taps, and drills
• Operate electronic and mechanical test equipment.

Qualifications

• Two years prior Aerosonde/UAS experience is highly desirable. If no previous Aerosonde/UAS experience, applicant must have 5 years of competition level (AMA/IMAC) Remote Control airplane experience and be a proficient R/C helicopter pilot.
• FAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable.
• Experience with and understanding of radio datalinks, mesh networks, and frequency bands.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Willing to travel up to 50% domestic with international travel possible.
• Knowledge of GPS systems, Electronic Speed Controllers, and small electronic devices is desired.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasking.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Must be a team player and able to work with minimum supervision.
• High School diploma required.
• General Mechanical or Electrical aptitude desired.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to work extended hours to meet program goals.
• Working knowledge of UAS and Military hardware is a plus.
• Ability to work in tight quarters and confined spaces.

Eligible to obtain and maintain a US Government SECRET security clearance and an FAA Class II Medical certificate.

Textron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is

$31.00 - $46.29 per hour.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company: Textron Systems
Primary Location: US- Maryland-Hunt Valley
Job Function: Flight Operations
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Experienced
Shift: First Shift
Travel: Yes, 50 % of the Time
Job Posting: 05/27/2026, 4:40:19 PM
Job Number: 342357