RPV Pilot

Darkblade Systems, LLC•Aberdeen, MD

3d•$90,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

Darkblade Systems is seeking UAS Red Air Pilots for future program needs. The role performs operational responsibilities for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) fixed-wing and rotary UAS platforms and supporting systems. Work includes gathering intelligence for mission planning, operating mission sensors and payloads, launching and remotely piloting vehicles, and recovering remotely piloted ground and air systems. The position requires willingness and availability to deploy to the CENTCOM area of responsibility for rotations of up to 6–12 months, with rotations alongside other deployers. When not traveling, the position follows a standard eight-hour schedule, Monday through Friday, and requires onsite reporting at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. CONUS and OCONUS travel is required, including rotational deployments and short-notice travel to possible conflict areas.

Requirements

Active Secret clearance at application, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: BA/BS with 0–3 years of experience; AA/AS with 4 years of experience; or high school diploma or equivalent with 6 years of experience.
Ability to obtain a Certified FAA UAS Pilot License.
Ability to obtain an Amateur Radio Technician License.
Experience instructing large groups of low- and high-ranking personnel in a military environment.
Experience with COTS multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft, including hobbyist UAS experience.
Demonstrated experience in pre-deployment training and knowledge exchange supporting field training exercises (FTX), Validation Exercises (VALEX), and other technical exchange events.
Ability to successfully complete CRC and deploy to the CENTCOM theater.
Experience with remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) across land, air, and sea, and ability to design and fabricate them with limited instructions or pre-built kits.
Ability to research emerging RPV technologies, describe their advantages, and explain their impact on DoD capabilities.
Knowledge of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP).
Ability to explain and instruct others on RPV technology, capabilities, limitations, and impacts to DoD capabilities.
Proficiency with standard MS Office applications and intelligence-related automation used for analytical efforts and product development.
Ability to define and carry out scenarios for using RPV technology in test or training events.
Ability to understand and interpret customer requirements to influence appropriate use of RPV technology at technical exchange or test events.
Ability to work independently at other locations and interact with other organizations and military units.

Responsibilities

Acquire, fabricate, modify, program, and maintain Group 3 and turbine multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms for training and test events.
Launch and recover air vehicles and perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks.
Assist with vulnerability site assessments to inform the analyst team about possible UAS use.
Coordinate with national and international intelligence agencies to develop data-sharing capability, trend analysis, and procedures.
Plan and coordinate flight operations and act as safety officer during training and test events.
Provide comprehensive technical red-team analysis.
Perform all functional duties independently.
Work and live in a small-team environment.
Travel CONUS and OCONUS, including rotational deployments and short-notice travel to possible conflict areas to disseminate relevant threat information.

Benefits

401(k) with company matching
Dental insurance
Medical insurance
Health Savings Account option
Flexible Spending
Vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Ancillary offerings, including hospital indemnity, accident, critical illness, and pet insurance
Paid time off
Holiday pay