UAV Pilot/Instructor

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace is seeking a UAV Pilot/Instructor in Blackstone, Virginia. The role involves overseeing UAV operations and training for Vanilla UAS, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Candidates are required to have a high school diploma and significant UAS or manned flight experience, with levels of qualification affecting the specifics. Extensive travel may be expected, and maintaining a DoD Secret security clearance is essential. The position offers a unique chance to contribute to mission success and program development.

Qualifications

• 2-7+ years of UAS/manned flight experience depending on level.
• 1-5+ years of flight instruction experience.
• Must maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Plan flight operations based on customer requirements.
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots.
• Support flight operations outside the continental US for extended periods.
• Conduct flight demonstrations and troubleshoot equipment.

Skills

UAS operation

Flight instruction

Safety compliance

Technical troubleshooting

FAA regulations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Completion of training in aviation or related field

Tools

UAS equipment

Flight planning software

Job description

JOB TITLE: UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I - III

DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING MANAGER

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The UAV Pilot/instructor will support the operation and training of Vanilla UAS. This role will oversee ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions while providing technical support. The Senior UAV Pilot /Instructor will play a key role in mission success and program development through technical expertise and operational excellence.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements
• Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks
• Remote pilot a UAS, following a specific flight plan or modifying flight plans to meet mission objectives
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational protocols and safety standards.
• Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) months at a time if needed
• Conduct flight demonstrations for customers at remote locations
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximize mission readiness
• Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations as applicable

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL II

• High school Diploma or GED and 2-5 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 4 years
• 1 Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL II

• High school Diploma or GED and 5-7 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years
• 2+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL III

• High school Diploma or GED and 7+ years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years
• 5+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience
• Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred
• Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations
• Vigilant Spirit experience
• Quattro FMS experience
• Research and development experience
• Publication writing experience
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
• Private Pilot License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to, perceiving differences in wire cable colors, moving and/or lifting items such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment and other objects weighing up to 100 pounds, working aloft; climbing ladders.
• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical