Lead UAS Flight Test Pilot, R&D

Platform Aerospace; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD, is seeking a Flight Test Pilot III to support Research & Development flight operations for long‑endurance UAS. You will plan, execute, and analyze test activities, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and mission success.

The role requires independent operation, strong technical skills, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to advance UAS platforms. You will lead test flights, document results, and contribute to SOPs and data‑driven improvements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 7–10 years relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years relevant experience.
• Private Pilot License (PPL) required.
• Experience operating UAS in diverse weather and environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute R&D flight test programs for multi-day endurance UAS.
• Develop and refine detailed test plans including objectives and risk assessments.
• Lead post-flight debriefings and document lessons learned.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Software teams for system integration.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and company standards during flight activities.

Skills

PPL

Flight test leadership

UAS operations

Safety compliance

Data collection & analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation/Aerospace or related field

Tools

Piccolo flight controllers

Quattro Flight Management System

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

FLIGHT TEST PILOT III

EXECUTIVE Professional Hollywood, MD, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1321

Salary Range: $96,257.00 To $125,133.00 Annually

JOB TITLE: Flight Test Pilot III
DEPARTMENT: Research & Development (R&D)
REPORTS TO: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
CLEARANCE: Secret
LOCATION: Hollywood, MD

Job Summary

The Flight Test Pilot III supports Research and Development (R&D) flight operations for long-endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing flight test activities while ensuring safety, compliance, and mission success. The position requires the ability to operate independently, apply strong technical expertise, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and support the continued development and advancement of UAS platforms and systems.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and execute R&D flight test programs for multi-day endurance UAS platforms, ensuring alignment with program objectives and test requirements.
• Develop and refine detailed test plans and flight test cards, including objectives, procedures, risk assessments, and success criteria.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations leadership to coordinate and deconflict test events and support new capability development and rollout.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for both ground and flight test activities.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Software teams to integrate and evaluate advanced systems and technologies.
• Support and conduct ground testing activities for systems integration, functionality verification, and pre-flight validation.
• Serve as Lead Pilot during R&D flight operations, executing test maneuvers and ensuring accurate and complete data collection.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and operational standards during all flight activities.
• Lead post-flight debriefings, document lessons learned, and provide recommendations to support iterative system development and performance improvements.
• Analyze flight test data, document results, identify anomalies, and recommend corrective actions or design changes.
• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for R&D flight and ground operations.
• Support domestic and international flight operations and deployments, as required.
• Perform other duties as necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 7-10 years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field and 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• Private Pilot License (PPL).
• Extensive experience operating UAS in diverse weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of instructors and flight personnel.
• Up to 50% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Ability to pass required flight and deployment physical examinations as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Expert knowledge of Piccolo flight controllers and the Quattro Flight Management System.
• Flight test experience supporting UAS development and research programs.
• Experience with long-endurance unmanned aircraft operations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
  • Repetitive use of hands and arms for inspection, measurement, and operational tasks.
  • Visual inspection of components for dimensional accuracy, defects, and workmanship.
  • Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.
  • Ability to distinguish differences in wire and indicator light colors.
  • Operation of hand and power tools.
  • Lifting, carrying, and moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Working in confined spaces and around aircraft.
  • Ascending and descending ladders and stairs as required.