Job Overview

Position primarily functions as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Mission Commander on unmanned aircraft for a Department of Defense national, theater, operational or tactical level customer. The AVO is responsible for coordinating ground and flight operations efforts including mission planning, execution and briefing, debriefing, crew resource management, and ground & flight safety. The AVO is responsible for tasking of the aircraft from preflight, launch, mission, landing, and post flight operations and to monitoring all vital signs of the aircraft. The AVO is the PIC responsible for safe and legal flight of the air vehicle.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
• Primarily supports higher tier, longer endurance systems, driven by national or theater level customers.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
• Must maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; and be familiar with operational methods and infrastructure.
• Understands government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
• Meets/exceeds minimum performance standards as outlines in the master training syllabuses.
• Formulates training programs, lesson plans and schedules, based on knowledge of identified training needs, systems requirements, or service needs.
• Selects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or and computer-based training.
• Organizes and develops training manuals, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
• Trains assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Relocation to CONUS duty location
• Performs other related duties as directed.

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

• At least 100+ flight hours on UAS platforms acting as PIC
• Proficient computer skills: Office Suite, specifically spreadsheets, collaboration/communication applications, and manipulation of Adobe forms a must
• Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport.
• Must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
• Meet combatant command theatre entry requirements (e.g., CENTCOM)
• Must maintain FAA Class 2 medical
• Must meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and pass Combat Readiness Course.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• The ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• The ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
• The ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
• Work Experience in aviation field in OCONUS (deployed) location.

Education / Certifications

• Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
• Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.

Experience

Minimum 2-4 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations.

• Manned Aviation Experience - 500-1000 hours
• UAS Flight Hours (Group 3+) - 200-500 UAS PIC
• Experience controlling aircraft Beyond Line of Sight and associated data links
• Experience with Piccolo PCC or other Auto Pilot systems
• OCONUS deployment experience is a must.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
• Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds
• Constantly 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
• Must meet industry-standard physical requirements to ensure the safe and effective performance of duties. While the role does not typically involve strenuous physical activity, candidates should possess adequate physical fitness and health to withstand the demands of flight operations.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Recruitment Communication Notice: All official correspondence regarding your application, application status, interviews, or the AEVEX hiring process will come directly from an AEVEX representative using an @aevex.com email address or through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system. Please use caution with communications claiming to represent AEVEX from other email domains, and always verify the sender before responding or providing personal information.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.