Senior UAS Training & Standardization Specialist

KH Aerospace; Pendleton (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

KH Aerospace in Pendleton, OR is seeking a senior pilot with expertise in UAS flight operations and compliance with FAA regulations. This position involves maintaining proficiency with emerging technologies, conducting operational audits, and leading flight operations.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of relevant experience and strong problem-solving skills. Travel requirements can reach up to 70% for field operations and technology demonstrations.

Qualifications

• Deep operational expertise in UAS flight operations.
• Experience in curriculum development and project management.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in UAS operations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain proficiency with KHA's UAS technologies and regulations.
• Support demonstrations, field missions, and operational activities.
• Conduct audits of flight areas for compliance and safety.

Skills

UAS Flight Operations Leadership

Operational Standardization & Audits

Risk Management & Safety Programs

Site Management & Flight Area Oversight

Mission Planning & Briefing

Knowledge of Emerging UAS Technologies

Education

4+ years of directly related experience

Tools

UAS platforms

Job description

Pendleton, OR

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) is an aerospace company specializing in long‑endurance unmanned aerial platforms for a wide variety of industries. KHA supports a number of customers to carry out missions involving aerial reconnaissance, survey, communication relay and communications provisioning. Endurance, enabled by effective design, is key to these applications and KHA aircraft utilize cutting‑edge aircraft design together with on‑board intelligence to deliver value for these customers.

This position reports directly to the Manager of Training and Standardization.

The ideal person for this role possesses a deep operational expertise in (s)UAS flight operations, standardization, curriculum development and project management. This role serves as a senior pilot for operational procedures, flight area oversight, and technical integration. The ideal candidate would be experienced in cross‑functional engagement, engineering collaboration, flight test support, procedural standardization, interpersonal communication, fundamentals of instruction, team leadership principals, and in creating safe, compliant, mission‑ready, staff and operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• UAS Flight Operations Leadership
• Operational Standardization & Audits
• Risk Management & Safety Programs
• Site Management & Flight Area Oversight
• Mission Planning & Briefing
• Technical Publications Review
• Knowledge of Emerging UAS Technologies and current market landscape

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

UAS Operations

• Maintain proficiency and currency with all of KHA's emerging UAS technologies, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.
• Hold and maintain all required certifications.
• Adhere to FAA regulations and guidelines, ensuring compliance during UAS operations and activities. Including but not limited to FAA Part 107, DOE Orders, restricted airspace protocols, and site procedures.
• Support demonstrations, field missions, customer operations, collaborative experimentation and equipment testing. Examples of UAS operational duties include delivering near real‑time aerial intelligence, integrating UAS data into customer systems, flight operations drills, and emergencies.
• Assist with flight planning, pre/post‑flight checks, risk assessments, and maintaining accurate maintenance and flight logs.
• Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and software updates on UAS platforms and ground control systems.
• Maintain your own personal flight records, active participation in training exercises, and maintain individual currency requirements.
• Adhere to Integrated Safety Management (including SP 1‑3100), attend required meetings, and maintain a clean, organized UAS hangar.
• Travel up to 70%.
• Serve as a senior pilot authority for operational standards, flight procedures, and safety compliance.
• Conduct periodic audits of flight areas to ensure adherence to company and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and standardize operational documentation and mission procedures.
• Manage revision control for risk assessments, mission briefs, and operations guidance.
• Lead or support updates to training content, instructional methods, and delivery standards.
• Provide data‑driven recommendations to the Standardization & Training Manager to enhance operational performance.

Subject Matter Expert Support

• Work cross‑departmentally with key stakeholders to stay current on emerging technologies and configuration updates.
• Act as pilot subject matter expert for engineering, providing operational insight on new technologies and system capabilities.
• Serve as lead liaison for engineering flight test requests, coordinating operational support and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with technical publications teams to assist in accuracy and operational relevance of pilot‑facing documentation.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 4 years of directly related experience.
• Deep understanding and proficiency in defense‑related UAS products.
• Strong attention to detail with strict adherence to operational and safety protocols.
• Experience in conducting demonstrations, field operations, initial qualification training and evaluations, curriculum development, and equipment testing.
• Knowledge of UAS technology, airspace regulations, and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and instructional skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to trainees.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in UAS operations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Military Experience.
• 5+ years of directly related experience.

EEO Statement

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.