Lead Flight Test Pilot – UAS Endurance & R&D

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD is seeking a Flight Test Pilot III to lead R&D flight tests for long-endurance UAS. You will plan, execute, and analyze tests, ensuring safety, FAA compliance, and mission success.

You will work with cross-functional teams, develop SOPs, and serve as Lead Pilot, with travel up to CONUS/OCONUS; candidates require extensive UAS experience and ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires FAA Part 107 certificate and PPL.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation or Aerospace or related field.
• Extensive UAS flight operations and R&D experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute R&D flight test programs for multi-day endurance UAS platforms.
• Develop and refine detailed test plans and flight test cards with objectives and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations leadership to coordinate test events and support new capability development.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for ground and flight activities.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Software teams to evaluate advanced systems.
• Support and conduct ground testing for systems integration and pre-flight validation.
• Serve as Lead Pilot during R&D flight operations and ensure accurate data collection.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and company policies during all flight activities.
• Lead post-flight debriefings, document lessons learned, and propose improvements.
• Analyze flight test data, identify anomalies, and recommend actions or design changes.
• Develop, maintain SOPs for R&D flight and ground operations.
• Support domestic and international flight operations and deployments.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Skills

UAS flight operations

Lead/mentoring

Flight test planning

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation or Aerospace

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Tools

Piccolo flight controllers

Quattro Flight Management System

Job description

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD is seeking a Flight Test Pilot III to lead R&D flight tests for long-endurance UAS. You will plan, execute, and analyze tests, ensuring safety, FAA compliance, and mission success.

You will work with cross-functional teams, develop SOPs, and serve as Lead Pilot, with travel up to CONUS/OCONUS; candidates require extensive UAS experience and ability to obtain security clearance.