External UAS Test Pilot

External UAS Test PilotA rapidly growing aerospace and defense technology company is seeking an External UAS Test Pilot to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aircraft systems in both developmental testing and operational environments.Unlike traditional drone pilot roles that rely primarily on autonomous flight, this position is focused on hands-on flying. The successful candidate will manually launch, fly, and recover fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft using RC-style transmitters and external flight controls while serving as the safety pilot responsible for protecting valuable prototype aircraft during testing.This role is ideal for highly skilled RC pilots, external UAS pilots, or experienced flight test professionals who have developed exceptional stick-and-rudder flying skills through years of competition, military service, or professional UAS flight operations.What You'll DoConduct manual line-of-sight flight operations for Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aircraft systemsPerform aircraft launch, recovery, and flight testing using RC transmitters and manual flight controlsSupport developmental flight test programs by safely operating prototype and production aircraftSet up support equipment, stage aircraft, and perform post-flight inspections and safety proceduresAssist with aircraft integration, modifications, and preparation for flight testingSupport engineering teams with flight evaluations, troubleshooting, and operational feedbackCross-train in additional technical disciplines and contribute to aircraft assembly, integration, and testing activities when not actively flyingTravel as needed to support customer demonstrations, testing, and operational deploymentsWhat You BringHigh school diploma or equivalentExtensive experience flying remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft, multirotor aircraft, or military UAS platformsExceptional manual flight skills with the ability to safely recover aircraft during abnormal flight conditionsStrong understanding of aircraft orientation, energy management, and manual landing techniquesAbility to obtain and maintain a Secret Security ClearanceU.S. citizenship requiredAbility to obtain and maintain an FAA Second-Class Medical CertificateWillingness to travel within and outside the continental United StatesPreferred Qualifications500+ hours operating Group 1 or Group 2 UAS or equivalent-sized RC aircraftExperience with fixed-wing aircraft, giant-scale RC aircraft, aerobatic aircraft, or turbine-powered platformsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Certificated Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot experienceExperience supporting research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) flight programsFamiliarity with Pixhawk, Mission Planner, ArduPilot, Ground Control Stations, or similar autopilot systemsAssociate degree or higher in aviation, UAS, engineering, or a related technical fieldWhy This OpportunityRare opportunity to fly advanced unmanned aircraft through every stage of development—from prototype to operational deploymentFour-day workweek (Monday–Thursday) with most weekends offJoin a highly collaborative team where pilots are actively involved in engineering, integration, and aircraft development—not just flight operationsWork alongside experienced aerospace engineers, developers, and flight test professionalsOpportunity to support cutting-edge defense and aerospace programs with domestic and international travelBroad technical exposure across flight testing, aircraft integration, engineering, and operational supportCompetitive compensation, strong benefits, and long-term career growth within an innovative aerospace organization