Senior ISR Pilot – Deployed Operations Lead

Pilot Assessments; Shalimar (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive pay

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Three weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Shalimar, FL seeks a seasoned fixed-wing pilot to lead deployed ISR sorties, casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and special mission training. You will shape mission plans, enforce safety, and coordinate with engineering teams to keep aircraft and systems ready.

The role requires 6+ years of pilot experience, 2,500+ hours fixed-wing, and IP/ME qualifications. Deployment-ready with a 60/30 rotation is expected.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of current pilot experience.
• Total time: 2,500 h minimum fixed-wing (3,000 h if IP-qualified).
• Multi-Engine Turbine: 1,500 h (2,000 if IP-qualified).
• PIC: 1,500 h (2,000 if IP-qualified), incl 1,000 PIC in type or similar aircraft (1,500 if IP-qualified).
• Fixed-Wing PIC in Class: 1,500 h PIC in multi-engine turboprop/jet with GTOW ≥ 12,500 lbs.
• CPL with Instrument & ME and/or ATP with Instrument & ME.
• FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Deployment-ready: ~60/30 rotation; security/background checks and travel requirements met.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute ISR missions supporting intelligence collection and real-time coordination.
• Conduct casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and special mission training flights.
• Own mission readiness: planning, risk assessment, and interagency coordination.
• Serve as primary contact for mission-critical communications and deconfliction.
• Uphold safety culture and regulatory compliance; drive standardization and checklists.
• Analyze flight and mission data to improve tactics and procedures.
• Mentor and supervise junior pilots and run training drills.
• Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot issues and ensure readiness.
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational decision-making.

Skills

Current pilot experience

Fixed-wing total time

IP-qualified

Multi-engine turbine

PIC experience

PIC in multi-engine

GTOW 12,500+ lbs

CPL/ATP ratings

FAA Class II Medical

Deployment-ready / OCONUS

DoD/COCOM compliance

Education

CPL with Instrument & ME

ATP with Instrument & ME

Job description

The Mission

In this senior seat, you’ll execute and lead deployed ISR sorties, experimental test events, casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and special mission training. You’ll shape mission plans, guide risk decisions, enforce regulatory compliance, and partner with engineering teams to keep aircraft and mission systems at peak readiness.

• Employer: Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)
• Location: Shalimar, Florida, with extended OCONUS deployments
• Rotation: Approximately 60/30 (deployed/home)
• Platforms: Fixed-wing, multi-engine turbine; manned and unmanned ISR operations
• Medical: FAA Class II
• License: Commercial Pilot License with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings and/or ATP (no limitations)
• Clearance: Eligible for U.S. security clearance; must meet DoD and Combatant Command theater requirements

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute complex ISR missions supporting intelligence collection, target identification, surveillance, and real-time coordination.
• Conduct casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, experimental test, and special mission training flights.
• Own mission readiness: detailed planning, risk assessment/mitigation, and interagency/partner coordination.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for mission-critical communications and deconfliction.
• Uphold safety culture and regulatory compliance; drive standardization and checklist discipline.
• Analyze flight and mission data to enhance tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Mentor and supervise junior pilots; facilitate training programs and preparedness drills.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational decision-making.

What You Bring

• Experience: 6+ years of current pilot experience.
• Total Time: 2,500 hours minimum fixed-wing total time (3,000 hours if IP-qualified).
• Multi-Engine Turbine: 1,500 hours (2,000 if IP-qualified).
• PIC: 1,500 hours PIC (2,000 if IP-qualified), including 1,000 PIC in type or similar aircraft (1,500 if IP-qualified).
• Fixed-Wing PIC in Class: Minimum 1,500 hours PIC in multi-engine turboprop and/or jet aircraft (or combination) with GTOW ≥ 12,500 lbs.
• Certificates: CPL with Instrument and Multi-Engine and/or ATP with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings (no limitations).
• Medical: Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Deployment-Ready: Able to deploy OCONUS on ~60/30 rotation; pass background, drug/alcohol, and pre-deployment screening; meet passport, international travel, citizenship, and security requirements.
• Compliance: Meets current DoD/COCOM requirements for deployed locations.
• Time Crediting: Only fixed-wing pilot time counts; excludes simulator, helicopter, single-engine-only, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, RIO, EWO, WSO, NFO, and special-crew time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Military flight training and recent ISR or OCONUS operational experience.
• Dash 8 experience and/or experimental-aircraft/test experience.
• Combat or operational leadership, mission commander, or IP background.
• ATP certification; advanced aviation/aerospace education; related bachelor’s degree.
• Recent mission completion or prior military service.
• U.S. military survival or physiological training.

Schedule & Key Details

• Base: Shalimar, FL (United States)
• Roster: Approx. 60/30 deployed rotation
• Focus: Deployed operations (OCONUS)
• Safety: Strong adherence to aviation safety and regulatory standards

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based on performance, commensurate with role level.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with 150% company match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and additional employee programs.

Ready to Lead?

If you’re a seasoned fixed‑wing multi‑engine turbine aviator who thrives in demanding operational environments and wants to mentor others while advancing ISR capability, we’d love to hear from you.