Senior Air Vehicle Operator – Deployed Operations Site Lead

About the role

The Senior Air Vehicle Operator leads V‑BAT flight operations for DoD and foreign customers in land‑based and maritime OCONUS environments. This operational role demands strong aviation judgment, disciplined execution, and the ability to guide small teams in austere, high‑visibility settings.

Key responsibilities

• Lead mission planning, conduct risk assessments, deliver pre‑mission briefings, execute flights, and run structured post‑flight debriefs.
• Perform Functional Check Flights and system validation, maintain aircraft configuration control and accurate logbooks.
• Coordinate with maintenance to sustain fleet readiness and ensure operational discipline.
• Mentor junior operators and serve as the on‑site operational representative to customers.
• Travel extensively (up to 50‑75%) to support deployments and operate independently in small teams under austere conditions.

Required profile

• Minimum 2,000 documented unmanned flight hours or 1,000 manned flight hours.
• Instructor experience in manned or unmanned aviation.
• FAA Private Pilot License (PPL) and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance and FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• Willingness to travel extensively and lead deployments in dynamic environments.

Required skills

• FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• FAA Instrument Rating (preferred)
• Commercial Pilot License (preferred)