Air Vehicle Operator - Instructor

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, TSC is an employee-owned company that has been providing high-quality technical services and solutions for over 50 years. Our diverse portfolio includes full lifecycle support in Precision Strike and Area Effects; Area Protection; Airborne Sensors and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Vehicle Protection; Electronic Warfare Systems; Air and Missile Defense; Space Systems, and Intelligence and Information Systems.

About the role

TSC's Innovation and Rapid Development Division is actively recruiting an Air Vehicle Operator - Instructor (AVO-I) with group 4 and above unmanned aircraft experience to join our team at our Test & Formal Training Unit (FTU) site located in Sierra Vista, AZ. Instructors with operationally deployed experience and/or formal schoolhouse instructing experience are encouraged to apply.

This position will report directly to the Test and Training Site Lead and/or Director of Aviation Operations and is expected to adhere to, and ensure that others adhere to contractual obligations, Flight & Ground Operating Procedures (FOPS/GOPS), and any training/test/production/operational requirements as directed.

Responsibilities

• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), supporting daily flight training, test, production, and/or operational sorties.
• Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the unmanned aircraft system.
• Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
• Primarily support higher tier, longer endurance systems, driven by national or theater level customers.
• Perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
• Maintain 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.
• Understand government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
• Meet/exceed minimum performance standards as outlined in the master training syllabuses.
• Formulate training programs, lesson plans, and schedules based on identified training needs, systems requirements, or service needs.
• Select appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or computer-based training.
• Organize and develop training manuals, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
• Train assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Maintain qualification and currency (pilot and instructor).
• Perform instruction only in areas in which current and qualified.
• Conduct Initial Qualification Training (IQT), Mission Qualification Training (MQT), Local Area Orientation (LAO), and Difference Training (DT) as required.
• Train all tasks to required performance standards.
• Responsible for safe execution of Flight Operations; immediately correct breaches of flying safety or flight discipline.
• Participate/assist as required to ensure safe operations/recovery.
• Work in compliance with and enforce Flight Procedures, Training Procedures, Standardization & Evaluation Procedures, and Flight and Ground Safety Procedures.
• Support Internal Audits and performance reviews; track data for internal customers.
• If appointed as an Evaluator:
  • Conduct 18-Month Evaluations, No Notice Evaluations, and Spot Evaluations.
  • Accomplish associated paperwork and document trends.
• Work extended hours and/or shift work when required/directed.
• Relocation to CONUS duty location and 10% – 30% travel (including OCONUS).
• Perform other related duties as directed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
• 2+ years LEA Family of Systems experience.
• 100+ manned flight hours acting as PIC.
• 500+ LEA Family of Systems flight hours as PIC.
• Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• US citizenship with a valid US passport.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
• Ability to meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and pass a Combat Readiness Course (CRC).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• Ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
• Ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
• Work experience in aviation field in a CONUS or OCONUS (deployed) location.
• Excellent organization skills to maintain aircraft logbooks and configuration.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with Flight and Ground Crews as well as air traffic control.
• Must meet requirements for CONUS and/or OCONUS duty.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of all components of aircraft: powerplant, electrical systems, RF systems, and troubleshooting aircraft issues.
• FAA/ICAO/DOD flight operational procedures.
• Flight standards, airworthiness, and safety.
• DCMA procedures and reporting.
• Authoring/editing technical orders and Compliance Procedures.
• Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures.
• Training & Evaluation Procedures.

Required Skills

• Exceptional knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills; excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and get along with others.
• Ability to review, interpret, apply industry standards (FAA/ICAO), and ensure compliance to program requirements.
• Ability to quickly learn new Air Vehicle Systems, Technical Manuals, and procedures.
• Attention to detail and organization skills regarding aircraft logbooks and timeliness in completing required paperwork.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be a current and qualified AVO-I, or an AVO who meets the prerequisites for AVO-I upgrade, and able to complete upgrade to AVO-I within 3-months of start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a flight instructor.
• Current and qualified AVO-I on LEA Family of Systems.
• Flight Test Engineer.
• Test Pilot School.

Benefits

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• ESOP contributions
• 401k Matching Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Leave

Travel required: 10% – 30% (including OCONUS). Relocation assistance available.