Unmanned Aircraft Pilot

Astrion; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks an experienced Unmanned Aircraft Pilot to join the team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. The role focuses on conducting UAS flight tests, evaluating systems, and integrating advanced sensor payloads, while maintaining security clearances and regulatory compliance.

The position requires extensive DoD UAS experience, proficiency with ground control stations, and the ability to operate across maritime, land, and austere environments. Travel is as needed and the role is full-time.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience operating DoD UAS (Group 1-3) or larger.
• Proficiency operating DoD Group 1-3 and sUAS from Ground Control Stations in diverse environments.
• Hands-on experience with flight test/evaluation, IO/IR payloads (LiDAR, thermography, photogrammetry).
• Active Secret security clearance and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimentation action plans and OPFOR/target requirements.
• Construct complex operational scenarios integrating TRL 6–9 prototype technologies.
• Ensure UAS aircraft and components are configured, safe for flight, and airworthy; plan and analyze missions.

Skills

UAS operations

Flight test & evaluation

Secret clearance

FAA Part 107

Sensor payload integration

Mission planning

SOP/TTP development

Job description

Overview

Unmanned Aircraft Pilot

LOCATION: Huntsville, Alabama

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret

CERTIFICATION:

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY: $96K

Astrion has an exciting opportunity fora UAS Pilotlocated at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.Astrion has worked extensively with the Redstone Test Center where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products tailored to the needs of its clients.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience operating DoD Group 1-3 or larger Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Candidate must possess demonstrated proficiency in operating DoW Group 1, 2, and 3 UAS platforms and Small UAS (sUAS) from Ground Control Stations (GCS) in maritime, land, and austere expeditionary environments.
• Demonstrated ability to execute UAS flight test and evaluation, test experimental software/hardware configurations, and integrate advanced sensor payloads—including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), thermography, and photogrammetry.
• Candidate must have practical knowledge of mission planning, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development, and airspace management. An active Secret security clearance and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification is highly desired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• UAS autopilot (such as Ardupilot and Q Ground Control) knowledge and experience is preferred but not required.
• Candidate must have the ability to operate DoD Group 1 and 2 Multirotor and Fixed Wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in multiple flight modes from a Ground Controlled Station (GCS).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities include developing Experimentation Action Plans, defining Opposing Forces (OPFOR)/target requirements, and constructing complex operational scenarios integrating Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–9 prototype technologies—such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, high-energy lasers, advanced sensor suites, and Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) models.
• The incumbent will ensure all UAS aircraft and aviation-related test components are properly configured, safe for flight, and airworthy prior to execution. Plans and analyzes flight missions.

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