Air Vehicle Operator 2

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.

About the Role

Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Provides 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.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• Provides 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.
• Maintains 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.
• Maintains minimum performance standards as outlined in the master training syllabuses.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

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).
• Meets/exceeds minimum performance standards as outlined in the master training syllabuses.
• Must 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.

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. 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.