External UAS Test Pilot

Work Setting:

100% onsite with a four-day, 10-hour workweek (Monday–Thursday)

Travel:

Domestic and international travel required to support flight testing and operational deployments

Compensation:

$85,041 — $108,071.70 base salary

Benefits:

Company-paid employee medical insurance, low-cost family coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits package

Position Summary
A rapidly growing aerospace and defense technology company is seeking an External UAS Test Pilot to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aircraft systems in both developmental testing and operational environments.

Unlike traditional drone pilot roles that rely primarily on autonomous flight, this position is focused on hands‑on flying. The successful candidate will manually launch, fly, and recover fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft using RC‑style transmitters and external flight controls while serving as the safety pilot responsible for protecting valuable prototype aircraft during testing.

This role is ideal for highly skilled RC pilots, external UAS pilots, or experienced flight test professionals who have developed exceptional stick-and-rudder flying skills through years of competition, military service, or professional UAS flight operations.

What You’ll Do

Conduct manual line‑of‑sight flight operations for Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aircraft systems

Perform aircraft launch, recovery, and flight testing using RC transmitters and manual flight controls

Support developmental flight test programs by safely operating prototype and production aircraft

Set up support equipment, stage aircraft, and perform post‑flight inspections and safety procedures

Assist with aircraft integration, modifications, and preparation for flight testing

Support engineering teams with flight evaluations, troubleshooting, and operational feedback

Cross‑train in additional technical disciplines and contribute to aircraft assembly, integration, and testing activities when not actively flying

Travel as needed to support customer demonstrations, testing, and operational deployments

What You Bring

High school diploma or equivalent

Extensive experience flying remote‑controlled fixed‑wing aircraft, multirotor aircraft, or military UAS platforms

Exceptional manual flight skills with the ability to safely recover aircraft during abnormal flight conditions

Strong understanding of aircraft orientation, energy management, and manual landing techniques

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance

U.S. citizenship required

Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Second‑Class Medical Certificate

Willingness to travel within and outside the continental United States

Preferred Qualifications

500+ hours operating Group 1 or Group 2 UAS or equivalent‑sized RC aircraft

Experience with fixed‑wing aircraft, giant‑scale RC aircraft, aerobatic aircraft, or turbine‑powered platforms

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

FAA Certificated Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot experience

Experience supporting research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) flight programs

Familiarity with Pixhawk, Mission Planner, ArduPilot, Ground Control Stations, or similar autopilot systems

Associate degree or higher in aviation, UAS, engineering, or a related technical field

Why This Opportunity

Rare opportunity to fly advanced unmanned aircraft through every stage of development—from prototype to operational deployment

Four‑day workweek (Monday–Thursday) with most weekends off

Join a highly collaborative team where pilots are actively involved in engineering, integration, and aircraft development—not just flight operations

Work alongside experienced aerospace engineers, developers, and flight test professionals

Opportunity to support cutting‑edge defense and aerospace programs with domestic and international travel

Broad technical exposure across flight testing, aircraft integration, engineering, and operational support

Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and long‑term career growth within an innovative aerospace organization

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