Unmanned Aircraft Pilot with Security Clearance

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

Job summary

Astrion is seeking an experienced Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The role requires a strong background in DoD Group 1–3 UAS operations, flight test & evaluation, and payload integration across maritime, land, and austere environments.

The ideal candidate has extensive GCS proficiency, mission planning, airspace management expertise, and ideally an active Secret clearance and FAA Part 107 certification.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' DoD UAS experience (Group 1–3 or larger).
• Proficiency with DoW Groups 1–3 and sUAS from GCS in multiple environments.
• Flight test, evaluation, and sensor payloads (LiDAR, thermography, photogrammetry).
• Active Secret clearance and FAA Part 107 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop Experimentation Action Plans and OPFOR/target requirements.
• Construct complex operational scenarios integrating TRL 6-9 prototypes; EO/IR sensors and advanced payloads.
• The incumbent will ensure all UAS aircraft/components are configured, safe for flight, and airworthy; plan and analyze missions.

Skills

Flight test & evaluation

GCS operation

Mission planning

Airspace management

Active Secret clearance

FAA Part 107 certificate

Tools

ArduPilot / QGroundControl

LiDAR payload integration

Thermography payload

Photogrammetry payload

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 for a UAS Pilot located 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. #CJ