ARC Aerospace & Defense Systems, LLC · El Paso, TX · Full-time or contract-to-hire · Travel required

About ARC

ARC Aerospace & Defense Systems is an El Paso-based defense technology company building attritable autonomous systems for the U.S. Army and DOW. We design and build our own flight computers, motors, electronics, and fixed-wing UAS platforms. We’re looking for an experienced UAS pilot to lead flight test operations for our Xtruder platform, including upcoming Army demonstrations.

What You’ll Do

· Serve as pilot-in-command and safety pilot for development and demonstration flights of ARC’s fixed-wing Group 1 UAS

· Fly autopilot tuning sorties (PID, airspeed/altitude, and navigation loops) with engineers, and take manual control when needed

· Plan and execute flight test cards with defined objectives, limits, and abort criteria

· Fly demonstration profiles at military test ranges, including government evaluations

· Train and mentor ARC operators in simulation and live flight

· Support mishap investigations through flight log review and root-cause analysis

· Help write standard operating procedures, checklists, and safety procedures for flight operations

Required Qualifications

· Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

· 100+ documented hours flying fixed-wing UAS or RC aircraft, including manual flight

· Experience with open autopilot ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4, or similar) and ground control station software

· Proven ability to recover aircraft from upsets, stalls, and degraded modes calmly and decisively

· U.S. citizen

· Willingness to travel for range operations and demonstrations

· Ability to pass a practical check flight on an ARC aircraft

Preferred Qualifications

· Military UAS operator experience (Army 15W or equivalent), especially Shadow or Gray Eagle

· Flight test experience: envelope expansion, system identification, autotuning

· Experience operating at DoD test ranges or in restricted airspace

· FAA Private Pilot certificate or higher

· Current or prior security clearance

· Familiarity with flight log analysis tools

What We Offer

· Competitive compensation and Benefits (for full-time positions)

· Hands-on work with Army customers on systems going into soldiers’ hands

· A small, fast-moving team where your judgment shapes how we fly

To apply: Send your resume and a summary of your flight hours (aircraft types, platforms, and modes flown) to [email protected]. We encourage candidates who can start immediately to apply.

UAS Test Pilot – Fixed-Wing