Chief Test Pilot Tactical Systems

RC Pilot

AEVEX Aerospace is looking for a skilled RC pilot to perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements. This skilled chief test pilot will have proven experience operating Group 3+ VTOL, jet turbine aircraft, fixed wing, and rotary unmanned aircraft systems in military flight test and operational environments. Expert in manual Radio Control flight operations-including takeoff, landing, and emergency recovery-ensuring safe and precise control of UAS platforms for high-risk operations. Adept at supporting developmental testing, working collaboratively with flight test teams, excellent hand-eye coordination, and responding swiftly under pressure.

Essential Functions :

• Operate as External Pilot for electric-hybrid VTOL, fixed wing, gas, turbine UAS platforms exceeding 350 lbs in both test and operational missions.
• Coordinate closely with engineering and systems teams to define test requirements and provide feedback on UAS performance.
• 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.
• Contribute to Test Readiness Reviews to discuss hazards, risks, and procedures for safe flight operations on experimental high-risk tests.
• Ensure flight operations adhere to airworthiness, risk mitigation, and test safety standards.
• 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.
• Lead pilot to perform training and pilot proficiency check out of new personnel and existing External Pilots.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, mission briefs, and post-flight debriefs.
• Oversee flight readiness and aircrew training for assigned UAS systems.
• Maintain and update test pilot logs, technical flight data, and reports.
• Participate in accident / incident investigations and flight safety reviews.
• Represent the company in customer and regulatory flight demonstrations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions :

Qualifications and Competencies :

Education / Certifications :

Experience :

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Security Clearance :

Disclaimer :

AEVEX Aerospace 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.

About AEVEX Aerospace :

AEVEX Aerospace, 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