Lead Flight Test Pilot, UAS & R&D Programs

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace seeks a Flight Test Pilot III to support R&D flight operations for long-endurance UAS. You will plan, execute, and analyze tests, ensuring safety, compliance, and mission success while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and software teams.

The role requires leading test flights, maintaining data quality, and developing SOPs for R&D flight and ground operations, with opportunities for international deployments as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and Private Pilot License (PPL).
• Experience leading R&D flight test programs and debriefings.
• Capable of planning, executing, and analyzing multi-day endurance UAS test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute R&D flight test programs for multi-day endurance UAS.
• Develop test plans, risk assessments, and success criteria.
• Lead test flights as Lead Pilot and ensure data collection integrity.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

PPL

Security clearance readiness

Team leadership and mentoring

Flight test planning & data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation or Aerospace Engineering

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Piccolo flight controllers

Quattro Flight Management System

Job description

Platform Aerospace seeks a Flight Test Pilot III to support R&D flight operations for long-endurance UAS. You will plan, execute, and analyze tests, ensuring safety, compliance, and mission success while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and software teams.

The role requires leading test flights, maintaining data quality, and developing SOPs for R&D flight and ground operations, with opportunities for international deployments as needed.