Senior Pilot - ISR (Deployed Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Shalimar, FL

About The Position

The Senior Pilot (ISR) leads complex missions and provides strategic direction in operational planning and execution. The role oversees and mentors junior pilots, enforces safety and regulatory standards, and performs advanced piloting duties, including experimental test flights and special mission training. It requires extensive ISR mission experience and advanced aviation, surveillance, and mission execution capabilities to support operational objectives. The position involves deployed work at OCONUS locations, with an approximate 60/30 deployment rotation, and requires the ability to work extended hours, holidays, and shifts as needed. Employment requires a current/active U.S. security clearance; applicants without one may be processed for a clearance, and employment begins once it is granted. The role is within SNC’s ISR, Aviation, and Security business area, which integrates manned and unmanned aircraft systems and provides C4ISR capabilities including design, integration, testing, certification, ground and flight training, and logistics support. The position is open for application for at least five days and may remain open longer based on business needs.

Requirements

At least 6 years of current pilot experience.
At least 2,500 or 3,000 hours of total flight time, depending on instructor-pilot qualifications.
At least 1,500 or 2,000 multi-engine turbine hours, depending on instructor-pilot qualifications.
At least 1,500 or 2,000 hours as PIC, including 1,000 or 1,500 hours as PIC in type or similar aircraft, depending on instructor-pilot qualifications.
At least 1,500 hours of total fixed-wing PIC time in multi-engine turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, or a combination, in aircraft with GTOW of 12,500 or greater.
Commercial Pilot License with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and/or Airline Transport Pilot certification with instrument and multi-engine ratings without limitations.
FAA-issued Class II Medical Certificate.
Ability to pass an FAA/Military Pilot Background Check and mandatory drug and alcohol screening.
Ability to meet current DoD and Combatant Command requirements for deployed locations.
Willingness to deploy OCONUS on an approximate 60/30 rotation and for extended periods at various operating locations.
Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities.
Extensive knowledge of advanced aviation systems and regulations.
Current/valid U.S. passport and ability to obtain a visa for international travel.
Ability to pass a pre-deployment medical assessment.
Willingness and ability to work extended hours, holidays, and shift schedules as required.
A current/active U.S. security clearance is required for employment; applicants without a current clearance may apply and, if selected, be processed for one before employment.
U.S. citizenship is required for the active U.S. security clearance needed for employment.
List flight hours per airframe on the submitted resume. Candidates with only rotary-wing or single-engine hours will not be considered.
Only fixed-wing pilot time counts toward minimum qualifications. Simulator, helicopter, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, RIO, EWO, WSO, NFO, and special crew time do not count.
PIC means Captain/Aircraft Commander of record, not simply the sole manipulator of the controls.

Nice To Haves

Military flight training background.
Previous ISR experience.
Previous Dash 8 experience.
Previous OCONUS experience.
Leadership experience in combat or operational missions.
Airline Transport Pilot certification.
Advanced degree in aviation or aerospace disciplines.
Experience with experimental and advanced aircraft systems.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study.
Recent mission completion and/or prior service.
U.S. Military survival and/or physiological training.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute complex flight missions across diverse operational environments.
Supervise and mentor junior pilots and support their professional development.
Perform missions including casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, and experimental test flights.
Ensure mission readiness through detailed planning, risk assessment, and coordination.
Plan and execute ISR missions supporting intelligence gathering, target identification, surveillance operations, and real-time mission coordination.
Support intelligence and surveillance objectives and enhance situational awareness and threat assessment.
Monitor and enforce compliance with safety protocols and aviation regulations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for mission-critical communication and coordination.
Review and analyze flight data and mission outcomes for continuous improvement.
Facilitate training programs and drills to maintain preparedness.
Liaise with engineering teams to address and resolve technical issues.
Participate in strategic planning and operational decision-making.