UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR at Platform Aerospace Blackstone, VA

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace is seeking an UAV Pilot/Instructor III to support operation and training of Vanilla UAS platforms. You will oversee ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions, providing technical support for mission success and program development.

The role requires hands-on piloting, flight instruction, and compliance with FAA and DoD security requirements. Occasional long deployments abroad and extensive travel may be involved.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of manned or UAS flight experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Willingness to travel CONUS/OCONUS up to 100%.

Responsibilities

• Plan flight operations to meet customer requirements.
• Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks.
• Remotely pilot UAS aircraft per flight plans or mission needs.
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots.
• Support overseas missions up to 4 months as needed.
• Demonstrate customer flights at remote locations.
• Troubleshoot equipment to maximize mission readiness.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flight planning

Flight operation safety

UAS piloting

Technical training

Customer support

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

DoD Secret clearance

DoD Top Secret clearance

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Job description

Job Description

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.

Basic Requirements - Level I

• 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.

Basic Requirements - Level II

• 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.

Basic Requirements - Level III

• 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 instruct