UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Platform Aerospace; Virginia, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace seeks an experienced UAV Pilot/Instructor III to oversee ground and flight operations for Vanilla UAS platforms. You will lead training, execute flight plans, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance during both stateside and overseas missions.

The role requires DoD Secret clearance, potential Top Secret eligibility, and FAA Class II Medical Certificate, with extensive travel and hands-on leadership in mission support and program development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2–7 years of flight experience or equivalent.
• 1 year of flight instruction or customer-facing training experience.
• Must have and maintain DoD Secret clearance; ability to obtain DoD Top Secret clearance; FAA Class II Medical Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Plan flight operations to meet customer-driven requirements.
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Remotely pilot UAVs following established flight plans and mission objectives.
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots and crews.
• Support overseas missions and stateside training as required; travel up to 100% (CONUS/OCONUS).
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and mission procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment to maximize mission readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flight operations

Safety procedures

Remote piloting

Training delivery

Mission planning

FAA regulations

Weather handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

DoD Secret clearance

DoD Top Secret clearance

Tools

Vigilant Spirit

Quattro FMS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1339

$107,807.00 To $140,149.00 Annually

JOB TITLE: UAV Pilot/Instructor III
DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations
REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training Manager
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Compensation Disclaimer:
Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, job-related knowledge and skills, scope and level of responsibility, internal equity, and market and business considerations. The salary range provided is intended as a general guideline and may vary depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and work location, where applicable.

Job Summary

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

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements.
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Remotely pilot UAS aircraft, following established flight plans or modifying them to meet mission objectives.
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational procedures and safety standards.
• Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) months at a time, as required.
• Conduct customer flight demonstrations at remote locations.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximize mission readiness.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• High school diploma or GED and 2-5 years of manned or 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 security clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.
• High school diploma or GED and 5-7 years of manned or UAS flight experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
• 2+ years of flight instruction or customer-facing technical training experience.
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.
• High school diploma or GED and 7+ years of manned or UAS flight experience, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years.
• 5+ years of flight instruction or customer-facing technical training experience.
• Minimum of 500 flight hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of training or a degree in Aviation, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Vigilant Spirit.
• Experience with Quattro FMS.
• Research and development experience.
• Technical publication writing experience.
• Private Pilot License (PPL).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including distinguishing wire and cable colors; moving, lifting, and carrying equipment such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 100 pounds; working at heights; and climbing ladders.