Test Pilot III

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

This position is responsible for serving as Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. Subject matter expert for all aspects of the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems to include aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software and operational and experimental ground and flight testing of company product line of aircraft. Ensures the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, flight test and instructional techniques. Primary consultant for executive management in all areas of company product line of aircraft development, flight test and operational mission planning and execution. Responsible for the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
• Perform as Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
• Perform as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
• Develops and executes mission planning, briefing, mission execution and debriefing.
• Instruct UAV student pilots as well as instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations including academic (platform instruction) and in-flight instruction.
• Ensures compliance with all governing regulations including service guidance, company procedures and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations and company policies wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Consults directly with company engineering and senior management as subject matter expert in developing company product line of aircraft.
• Develops and verifies procedures for use with new aircraft features.
• Develops training syllabus courseware to include research, word processing and presentation development.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and eight or more years progressive experience in ground and flight test operations. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must have a strong aviation background and demonstrate a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
• Must have excellent organization skills including planning and coordinating work assignments.
• Must possess:
  • FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
  • 2000 hours logged total pilot time including 1500 hours Pilot in Command, 500 hours Cross Country, 100 hours Instrument, and 500 hours in turbine aircraft.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
  • Strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
  • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Highly Desirable:
  • Previous experience including Predator, UAV and/or Military aviator or military aviation.
  • FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
  • Test pilot school graduate.