Lead, UAS Deployment & Flight Operations

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA is seeking a Deployment Site Lead to oversee on-site management of deployed personnel supporting customer operations and contract execution. You will serve as PIC, perform safety checks, train personnel, and coordinate with customers, government officials, and other stakeholders while ensuring mission readiness.

The role requires 1,000+ PIC hours, DoD Secret clearance, FAA Class II medical, and willingness to travel; strong leadership and logistics skills are

Qualifications

• DoD Secret Security Clearance required.
• Flight hours: minimum 1,000 as Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Experience supporting deployed UAS ISR operations.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Travel up to 100% CONUS/OCONUS may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site leader, overseeing deployed personnel and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and mission objectives.
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC), 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 deployment-related responsibilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Platform Aerospace, customer representatives, government and military officials, and other stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues to maximize mission readiness and aircraft availability.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, security, and operational requirements, including government regulations and company policies.
• Conduct site inspections, briefings, and status reviews to evaluate and improve operational effectiveness.
• Manage logistical and administrative requirements, including personnel housing, transportation, and overall welfare.
• Lead pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings to ensure personnel readiness and mission continuity.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risk and support uninterrupted operations.
• Support Flight Operations during non-deployment periods through documentation management, operational reporting, planning, and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required to support mission success.

Skills

Leadership

PIC

Training

Compliance

Logistics

Communication

Safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Systems or related field

Job description

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA is seeking a Deployment Site Lead to oversee on-site management of deployed personnel supporting customer operations and contract execution. You will serve as PIC, perform safety checks, train personnel, and coordinate with customers, government officials, and other stakeholders while ensuring mission readiness.

The role requires 1,000+ PIC hours, DoD Secret clearance, FAA Class II medical, and willingness to travel; strong leadership and logistics skills are