Senior Pilot - ISR (Deployed Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Shalimar, FL

3d

About The Position

The Senior Pilot supports high-stakes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, providing leadership in operational planning and execution. The role includes leading complex missions, overseeing and mentoring junior pilots, performing advanced piloting duties, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols and aviation regulations. Missions may include casualty evacuation, maritime patrol, experimental test flights, and special mission training. The pilot uses extensive ISR experience to support intelligence gathering, target identification, surveillance, and real-time mission coordination in high-pressure environments.

The position is deployed only and requires the ability to work at OCONUS locations, including deployment on an approximate 60/30 rotation. The pilot must meet current Department of Defense and Combatant Command requirements for deployed locations and be willing to work extended hours, holidays, and shift schedules as required. A current/active Secret U.S. security clearance and U.S. citizenship are required for employment.

The ISR, Aviation, and Security business area provides manned and unmanned aircraft systems integration and end-to-end C4ISR capabilities, including design, integration, testing, certification, ground and flight training, and logistics support.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of current pilot experience.
• At least 2,500 total flight hours, or 3,000 hours with the applicable instructor-pilot qualifications described in the posting.
• At least 1,500 multi-engine turbine hours, or 2,000 hours with the applicable instructor-pilot qualifications described in the posting.
• At least 1,500 hours as pilot in command (PIC), including 1,000 hours as PIC in type or similar aircraft; or 2,000 PIC hours, including 1,500 PIC hours in type or similar aircraft, with the applicable instructor-pilot qualifications described in the posting.
• At least 1,500 hours of total fixed-wing PIC time in multi-engine turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft, or a combination, in aircraft with gross takeoff weight 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.
• Current/active Secret U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for employment.
• Candidates must list flight hours per airframe on their resume. Candidates with only rotary-wing or single-engine hours will not be considered.
• For minimum qualifications, PIC means captain/aircraft commander of record, not simply the sole manipulator of the controls. Only fixed-wing pilot time counts; simulator, helicopter, flight engineer, bombardier, navigator, RIO, EWO, WSO, NFO, and special crew time do not count.

Nice To Haves

• Military flight training background.
• Previous ISR experience.
• Previous Dash 8 experience.
• Previous OCONUS experience.
• Experience in leadership roles within 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, experimental test flights, and other special missions.
• Plan missions, assess risks, and coordinate to ensure readiness.
• 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.

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based on performance and commensurate with the position level.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed