Job Application for Chief Test Pilot Tactical Systems at AEVEX Aerospace

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Job Overview

AEVEX Aerospace is looking for a skilled RC pilot to perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements. This skilled chief test pilot will have proven experience operating Group 3+ VTOL, jet turbine aircraft, fixed wing, and rotary unmanned aircraft systems in military flight test and operational environments. Expert in manual Radio Control flight operations—including takeoff, landing, and emergency recovery—ensuring safe and precise control of UAS platforms for high-risk operations. Adept at supporting developmental testing, working collaboratively with flight test teams, excellent hand eye coordination, and responding swiftly under pressure.

Essential Functions

Operate as External Pilot for electric-hybrid VTOL, fixed wing, gas, turbine UAS platforms exceeding 350 lbs in both test and operational missions.
Coordinate closely with engineering and systems teams to define test requirements and provide feedback on UAS performance.
Manually control aircraft via radio transmitter during launch, recovery, and emergency procedures.
Coordinate seamlessly with Internal Pilots, Mission Commanders, and GCS Operators for safe and effective mission execution.
Contribute to pre-flight briefings, post-flight debriefings, and overall flight test planning.
Contribute to Test Readiness Reviews to discuss hazards, risks, and procedures for safe flight operations on experimental high-risk tests.
Ensure flight operations adhere to airworthiness, risk mitigation, and test safety standards.
Assist in the development of test cards, flight procedures, and enhancements to flight control systems.
Observe, document, and help resolve flight anomalies and system irregularities.
Adhere to stringent safety protocols, mission SOPs, and applicable airspace regulations.
Deploy to both CONUS and OCONUS test sites in support of dynamic and high-priority mission requirements.
Mentor and train new UAS pilots to enhance team capability and mission readiness.
Log performance data and flight notes to support engineering analysis and continuous improvement.
Lead pilot to perform training and pilot proficiency check out of new personnel and existing External Pilots.
Conduct pre-flight planning, mission briefs, and post-flight debriefs.
Oversee flight readiness and aircrew training for assigned UAS systems.
Maintain and update test pilot logs, technical flight data, and reports.
Participate in accident/incident investigations and flight safety reviews.
Represent the company in customer and regulatory flight demonstrations as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions

Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

Strong working knowledge of FAA, DoD, and/or ICAO UAS flight regulations.
Familiar with military UAS operations and FAA regulatory frameworks.
Knowledge of airspace coordination, range safety, and risk management practices.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
Proficient in manual control of multi-rotor, fixed-wing, hybrid VTOL aircraft, including gas, electric, and turbine platforms.
Ability to fly complex systems with landing gear, high wing loading, high speeds, and in challenging environments.
Strong understanding of UAS flight control systems, aerodynamics, and recovery operations.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Ability to display flight competency through simulation and live aircraft operation.
Proficiency in UAS mission planning software and flight control systems.
Familiar with Mission Planner and ArduPilot flight controllers, including associated hardware and software.
Familiar with tuning and operating 2-stroke gas engines and turbines, including performing maintenance.
Ability to train and sign off on incoming External Pilots and assist with maintaining proficiency in AEVEX emergency procedures.
Ability to work with Government Flight Representatives and customers in the capacity of lead pilot.
Capable of operating in austere field environments while maintaining VLOS and situational awareness.
Able to work in field environments and travel as needed for test campaigns.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and challenging environments.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

Education / Certifications

High School Diploma/GED required, Bachelor's Degree preferred.
FAA Class II Medical (or ability to obtain)
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required (or military equivalent).
Part-61 preferred
Turbine Waiver
Valid U.S. Driver’s License and Passport

Experience

6-8 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations, large scale work on developmental UAS preferred.
Experience in relation to education level:
- 5 years of related experience (HS/GED)
- 3 years of related experience (Bachelors)
- 2 years of related experience (Masters)
10+ years Radio Controlled flight experience with complex models up to 55 lbs.
Experience with test documentation, technical report writing, and flight data analysis.
Experience with software tools for flight planning, data analysis, and mission management is a plus.
Professional experience briefing both internal and external customers.
Professional experience with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, or other Government contracting agencies.
Minimum of 500 hrs flight experience Radio Control and UAS Systems.
Experienced in high-risk developmental flight testing, simulator-based instruction, and iterative system testing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time
Frequently required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordination
Occasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions
Field and hangar/test range environments
May involve occasional travel and extended deployments
Physical ability to support field operations and system setup

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, Top Secret preferred.
S. Citizenship required.

Disclaimer:

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

About AEVEX Aerospace

AEVEX Aerospace, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits.

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Chief Test Pilot Tactical Systems

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