External Pilot Group III Offensive Strike UAS

Griffon Aerospace; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace solutions provider in Madison, Alabama is seeking an experienced External Pilot to join their flight test team. The candidate will control aircraft during critical flight phases and must demonstrate expertise with large UAS platforms. This role requires extensive experience, effective communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a military flight test environment. A competitive salary is offered along with travel opportunities to test sites and customer locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as an External Pilot for Group 3 or larger UAS.
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in manually flying aircraft.
• Ability to maintain precise aircraft control in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manually control the aircraft during critical phases of flight.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and safety protocols.
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.

Skills

Manual flying of UAS

Situational awareness

Precision control skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Griffon Aerospace is a trusted aerospace solutions provider based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in the design, development, and operation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Since 1995, we have delivered over 12,000 unmanned air vehicles to the Department of Defense, allied nations, and commercial customers. We pride ourselves on being a lion-hearted partner, designing, building, and flying the most capable and intelligent aerial systems that give our servicemen an unfair advantage wherever they fly.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements.

The External Pilot will be responsible for manually controlling the aircraft during critical flight phases including takeoff, cruise, landing, and emergency procedures using a hand controller/radio transmitter. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with large UAS platforms and demonstrate exceptional situational awareness, precision control skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in a military flight test environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as External Pilot for a 250+ pound unmanned aircraft system
• Manually control the aircraft during critical phases of flight including takeoff, cruise, landing, and emergency situations
• Work collaboratively with Internal Pilots, Mission Commanders, and Ground Control Station operators
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings
• Assist in developing flight test plans and procedures
• Provide input for aircraft control system modifications and improvements
• Perform troubleshooting procedures and aircraft modifications
• Perform aircraft maintenance procedures and repairs to maintain UAS readiness
• Support field operations in various environments, both domestic and potentially overseas
• Ensure compliance with all regulations, safety protocols and operational procedures
• Participate in training new pilots as required
• Document and report flight performance, anomalies, and system issues
• Assist in the development of UAS standard operating procedures
• Assist in the development of UAS flight procedures and checklist
• Assist in the development of UAS maintenance procedures and checklist
• Assist in the development of UAS flight training program

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as an External Pilot for Group 3 or larger UAS (aircraft weighing 250+ pounds)
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency manually flying aircraft via hand controller/radio transmitter
• Experience with fixed-wing platforms
• Understanding of aerodynamics, flight control systems, and UAS operations
• Ability to maintain precise aircraft control in various weather conditions
• Excellent communication skills and ability to function effectively as part of a team
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to test sites
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOT medical certificate
• Physical ability to maintain visual line of sight with aircraft during operations
• FAA Class II medical certificate, or ability to qualify
• S. Passport or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military UAS programs, particularly Army aviation systems
• Background in flight testing or developmental aircraft programs
• Experience tuning autopilot flight controls
• Knowledge of Army aviation procedures and tactical operations
• Knowledge of FAA rules and procedures
• Prior military aviation experience
• Experience with simulator training systems
• Mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills

Physical Requirements

• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain visual contact with aircraft at extended distances
• Ability to stand for extended periods during flight operations
• Capability to work in various outdoor environments and weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment

Work Environment

• Combination of office, laboratory, and field environments
• Travel to test sites and customer locations as required
• Potential for deployment to military installations domestically and overseas
• May include working in challenging weather conditions and environments

Clearance Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance required
• U.S. citizenship required

Travel Requirements

30-50% travel to test sites, customer locations, and potential deployment locations