UAS Operator / Pilot

SpektreWorks, Inc.; Arizona; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpektreWorks, Inc. is seeking experienced UAS Pilots based in Phoenix, AZ, with frequent domestic travel for customer demonstrations, flight testing, and operational missions.

We require candidates to perform Air Vehicle Operator and External/Safety Pilot roles, support aircraft integration, and deliver training on aircraft, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO/EP).
• Experience with fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
• Experience with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Station software.
• Strong autonomous mission planning and flight operations knowledge.
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport and travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, professional UAS flight operations in accordance with procedures and regulations.
• Serve as Air Vehicle Operator and/or External/Safety Pilot as needed.
• Perform flight testing, demonstrations, training missions, and operational deployments.
• Plan missions, assess risks, analyze weather, and brief crews.
• Coordinate logistics and maintain mission records and documentation.

Skills

Safety-focused

Independent worker

Strong communication

Education

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

ArduPilot

Mission Planner

Job description

Job Description

SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with frequent domestic and some international travel supporting customer demonstrations, flight testing, military exercises, training events, and operational missions.

Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor aircraft in developmental, operational, and customer-facing environments. In addition to flight operations, pilots work closely with engineering teams, support aircraft integration and testing, and deliver customer training on aircraft, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.

We're looking for professionals who are technically capable, safety-focused, adaptable, and comfortable working independently in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations

• Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
• Potential to operate as both an Air Vehicle Operator and External/Safety Pilot.
• Perform developmental flight testing, functional check flights, customer demonstrations, training missions, and operational deployments.
• Execute autonomous and manually controlled flight operations using multiple UAS platforms.
• Conduct mission planning, risk assessments, weather analysis, and flight briefings.
• Configure mission plans, geofences, and aircraft failsafe settings.
• Complete post-flight inspections, flight logs, mission debriefs, and data analysis.

Aircraft Operations & Maintenance

• Perform aircraft preflight and post-flight inspections.
• Conduct basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs.
• Support aircraft assembly, modifications, payload integration, and configuration changes.
• Assist engineering with prototype development and system validation.
• Maintain aircraft and support equipment in mission-ready condition.

Flight Test & Engineering Support

• Support developmental flight testing and aircraft performance evaluations.
• Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
• Assist engineers with avionics, payload, autonomy, and software validation.
• Identify opportunities to improve aircraft reliability and mission performance.
• Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations.

Customer Operations, Training & Instruction

• Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction for UAS operators, external pilots, and maintainers.
• Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.
• Develop and update lesson plans, practical exercises, checklists, and training materials.
• Evaluate student performance and provide coaching to ensure safe and effective system operation.
• Support customer qualification events, new equipment training, and fielding activities.
• Represent SpektreWorks professionally during customer interactions and technical demonstrations.

Operational Support

• Coordinate logistics for personnel, aircraft, batteries, support equipment, and payloads.
• Prepare flight documentation, NOTAMs, airspace authorizations, and range coordination packages.
• Maintain accurate operational records and mission documentation.
• Assist with proposal support, technical documentation, and standard operating procedure development.
• Perform additional operational and engineering duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO and/or EP).
• Experience operating fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
• Experience with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Station software.
• Strong understanding of autonomous mission planning and flight operations.
• Ability to perform field troubleshooting and basic aircraft maintenance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and flight-test environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.