UAS Pilot & Maintenance Technician

Compass Systems; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical coverage

Paid Time off

Professional Development

Wellness Programs

Disability & life insurance

Job summary

Compass Systems, Inc. in Yuma, AZ, is seeking an experienced UAS Pilot/Operator to support USSOCOM RDT&E activities.

This dual-role position requires conducting UAS flight operations and performing aircraft inspections, routine maintenance, minor repairs, and systems integration to maintain operational readiness. The role includes flight testing, mission planning, payload evaluations, and coordinating with engineering personnel, government representatives, and other flight team members to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of UAS experience.
• Hands-on experience with Group 1-3 UAS platforms.
• Maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
• Experience supporting UAS ground and flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in RDT&E.
• Perform preflight inspections, launch/recovery and postflight procedures.
• Support flight testing, payload evaluations and mission planning.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, avionics and comm systems.
• Maintain maintenance records and document discrepancies.

Skills

UAS operations

Flight planning

Maintenance

Repairs

System integration

Payload evaluation

Technical diagnostics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years UAS experience

Tools

Ground Control Station

Diagnostics tools

Maintenance tools

Job description

Compass Systems

Compass Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot/Operator to support U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities in Yuma, Arizona.

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated operational and technical experience with Group 1-3 UAS platforms. This position requires dual-role capability, with responsibility for conducting UAS flight operations as well as performing aircraft inspections, routine maintenance, minor repairs, troubleshooting, and systems integration to maintain operational readiness.

The UAS Pilot/Operator will support developmental and operational flight testing, mission planning, and execution, aircraft acceptance procedures, and payload evaluations. Candidates must be capable of independently performing assigned flight operations and authorized maintenance activities whole coordinating with engineering personnel, government representatives, and other flight team members.

Job Functions:

• Conduct Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in support of RDT&E activities.


• Perform mission planning, preflight inspections, aircraft launch and recovery, and postflight procedures.


• Support development and operational flight testing, aircraft acceptance testing, and functional check flights.


• Operate and evaluate UAS payloads, sensors, and associated mission systems.


• Maintain required operator qualifications, proficiency, and flight currency.


• Identify and document aircraft discrepancies, performance concerns, and operational limitations.


• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, minor repairs, and aircraft servicing to maintain operational readiness.


• Independently troubleshoot and diagnose aircraft mechanical, electrical, avionics, and communication system.


• Perform aircraft assembly, disassembly, configuration changes, and ground system checks.


• Support payload installation, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.


• Conduct aircraft inspections and perform corrective maintenance actions in accordance with applicable technical manuals and established procedures.


• Support software/firmware updates, aircraft modifications, and associated ground and flight evaluations.


• Maintain accurate aircraft maintenance records, discrepancy documentation, and corrective action reports.


• Coordinate with engineering and technical personnel to resolve complex system deficiencies and support improvements.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or five (5) or more years of relevant UAS experience.


• Demonstrated experience operating Group 1-3 UAS platforms.


• Hands-on experience performing UAS aircraft maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.


• Experience supporting UAS ground and flight operations, including aircraft launch, recovery, and mission execution.


• Working knowledge of UAS mechanical, electrical, avionics, communications, and payload systems.


• Ability to independently diagnose aircraft discrepancies and perform authorized corrective maintenance actions.


• Ability to interrupt technical manuals, maintenance procedures, and aircraft documentations.


• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an integrated flight test environment.


• Must be able to possess and maintain a current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.

Desired Experience:

• Previous flight operations and/or maintenance experience with Tigershark UAS.


• Previous flight operations and/or maintenance experience with jump 20 UAS.


• Previous flight operations and/or maintenance experience with VBAT 5.1 UAS.


• Experience operating and maintaining multiple Group 1-3 UAS platforms.


• Military UAS aviation or maintenance background.


• Experience supporting Dod or USSOCOM RDT&E programs.


• Experience with payload integration, aircraft modification, and functional check flights.


• RQ-23 A technician qualification or equivalent technical experience.


• Experience supporting flight operations at military test ranges.

Benefits:

Compass Systems, Inc. is a profitable, growing company offering excellent salaries and benefits. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and demonstrate our commitment to our employees by offering a competitive and valuable rewards program including:

• 401(k) and 401k Matching


• Medical, Vision, Rx, Dental coverage


• Paid Time off


• Professional Development


• Wellness Programs


• Short and Long-term disability, life insurance and recruitment incentives.

Compass Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. Use of any external recruitment or job placement agency is based upon its compliance with our commitment to equal opportunity.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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