Air Vehicle Operator 3 (Tampa)
Navstar Inc., Tampa, FL, United States
Job Title
AEVEX Aerospace is looking for an air vehicle operator to perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements.
Essential Functions
Operate as External Pilot for electric-hybrid VTOL UAS platforms exceeding 250 lbs in both test and operational missions
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
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
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
Proficient in manual control of multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid VTOL aircraft
Strong understanding of UAS flight control systems, aerodynamics, and recovery operations
Familiar with military UAS operations and FAA regulatory frameworks
In-depth working knowledge of telemetry radios, command-and-control systems, and handheld transmitters used in UAS operations.
Familiarity with software tools for flight planning, data analysis, and mission management.
Capable of operating in austere field environments while maintaining VLOS and situational awareness
Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
Attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and challenging environments.
Education / Certifications
HS/GED minimum
Bachelor's Degree preferred
FAA Class II Medical (or ability to obtain)
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent certification from relevant aviation authority.
Valid U.S. Driver's License and Passport
300 hours as Pilot in Command (Unmanned).
Experience
8+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated knowledge of UAS flight systems and operations; experience supporting large-scale developmental UAS programs is preferred.
5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelors Degree
4+ years of relevant experience with a Master's Degree
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with ArduPilot, including at least 6 months supporting Group 3 fixed-wing platforms.
Demonstrated experience operating Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS.
Proven experience conducting beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight operations using open- source ground control software, including Mission Planner, QGroundControl, and BetaFlight.
Demonstrated experience working with both gas and electric propulsion systems, including setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
Proven professional briefing experience with both internal stakeholders and external customers.
Demonstrated professional experience working with or in support of the U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or other government contracting agencies.
Experienced in developmental flight testing, simulator-based instruction, and iterative system testing
Physical Requirements
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
Security Clearance
Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
AEVEX Aerospace is looking for an air vehicle operator to perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements.
Essential Functions
Operate as External Pilot for electric-hybrid VTOL UAS platforms exceeding 250 lbs in both test and operational missions
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
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
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
Proficient in manual control of multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid VTOL aircraft
Strong understanding of UAS flight control systems, aerodynamics, and recovery operations
Familiar with military UAS operations and FAA regulatory frameworks
In-depth working knowledge of telemetry radios, command-and-control systems, and handheld transmitters used in UAS operations.
Familiarity with software tools for flight planning, data analysis, and mission management.
Capable of operating in austere field environments while maintaining VLOS and situational awareness
Ability to maintain a Class II flight physical.
Attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and challenging environments.
Education / Certifications
HS/GED minimum
Bachelor's Degree preferred
FAA Class II Medical (or ability to obtain)
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent certification from relevant aviation authority.
Valid U.S. Driver's License and Passport
300 hours as Pilot in Command (Unmanned).
Experience
8+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated knowledge of UAS flight systems and operations; experience supporting large-scale developmental UAS programs is preferred.
5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelors Degree
4+ years of relevant experience with a Master's Degree
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with ArduPilot, including at least 6 months supporting Group 3 fixed-wing platforms.
Demonstrated experience operating Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS.
Proven experience conducting beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight operations using open- source ground control software, including Mission Planner, QGroundControl, and BetaFlight.
Demonstrated experience working with both gas and electric propulsion systems, including setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
Proven professional briefing experience with both internal stakeholders and external customers.
Demonstrated professional experience working with or in support of the U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or other government contracting agencies.
Experienced in developmental flight testing, simulator-based instruction, and iterative system testing
Physical Requirements
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
Security Clearance
Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.