UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace seeks an experienced UAV Pilot/Instructor III to support Vanilla UAS platforms, oversee ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions, and provide technical support for mission success.

Responsibilities include flight operation planning, safety checks, piloting, and delivering training programs to new UAV pilots while ensuring FAA compliance and program excellence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant flight experience
• 1 year of flight instruction or customer-facing training
• DoD Secret clearance required; Top Secret eligibility preferred
• Must obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
• Up to 100% CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required
• UAS operation in varied weather and lighting conditions

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
• Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots
• Support overseas flight operations up to four months
• Conduct customer flight demonstrations at remote locations
• Troubleshoot equipment to maximize mission readiness
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Flight experience

Flight instruction

DoD Secret clearance

DoD Top Secret eligibility

FAA Class II Medical Certificate

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 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 supporting deployed UAS ISR operations.
• Experience with Vigilant Spirit.
• Experience with Quattro FMS.
• Research and development experience.
• Technical publication writing experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 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.
• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.