UAV Pilot/Instructor with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 96,432; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA, is hiring a UAV Pilot/Instructor to support Vanilla UAS operations. This role involves ground and flight operations in training and missions, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and delivering training to new pilots.

Candidates must possess relevant flight experience, maintain a DoD Secret clearance, and meet physical requirements. The hourly wage ranges from $30 to $70 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 2–10 years of manned/UAS flight experience depending on level.
• 2+ years flight instruction experience for Level II.
• Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience for Level III.

Responsibilities

• Perform flight operation planning for customer requirements.
• Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight checks.
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots.

Skills

Manned/UAS flight experience

Flight instruction or technical training

Ability to maintain DoD Secret clearance

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Comfortable operating UAS

Education

High school Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I-III

Department

FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Reports To

FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING MANAGER

Classification

NON-EXEMPT

Clearance

SECRET

Location

BLACKSTONE, VA

Job Summary

The UAV Pilot/Instructor will support the operation and training of Vanilla UAS. This position may be filled at different levels depending on candidate qualifications and experience. The role supports 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 – Level I

• 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 6 years.
• Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

Basic Requirements – 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+ years of flight instruction or customer‑facing technical training experience.
• Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

Basic Requirements – Level III

• High school Diploma or GED and 7–10 years of relevant 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 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
• Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
• Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required.
• Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

Preferred Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance.
• 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 obtain a DOT physical.
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.
• Perceiving differences in wire and indicator light colors.
• Operating hand and power tools.
• Lifting, carrying, and/or moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Working in confined spaces and around aircraft.
• Ascending and descending ladders or stairs as required.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $30.00 to $70.00. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate's qualifications and work location, where applicable.