Chief Test Pilot Tactical Systems

Aevex•Tampa, FL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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).
Turbine Waiver
Valid U.S. Driver’s License and Passport
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.
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.
Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, Top Secret preferred.
U.S. Citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Part-61 preferred
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.

Benefits

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 for qualified employees.

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