Senior V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator, Field Integration and Test (R5130)
- Workplace
- On-site
- Commitment
- Full-time
- Seniority
- Senior
- Salary
- $100,000-150,000/yr
- Posted
The role supports V-BAT field integration activities and flight operations in CONUS and OCONUS environments, working with Engineering and Customer Operations teams. The operator supports customer site surveys, system installations, calibration events, aircraft operational checks, training support, and operational handoff activities. Beyond traditional operator duties, the position involves installation readiness, aircraft and ground system setup, and post-calibration operational checks to verify aircraft readiness and confirm operational usability. The role supports DoD, coalition, and international customers in maritime and land-based, austere, high-tempo, shipboard, and expeditionary environments, and may also provide cross-functional support within Customer Operations and Production/Experimental Flight Test and demonstration activities.
Responsibilities
- Field integration support: Supports site surveys, installations, calibrations, aircraft operational checks, and customer handoff activities while maintaining safe and effective V-BAT operations
- Operational leadership: Leads flight operations and field events with autonomy, sound judgment, and disciplined risk management
- Systems troubleshooting: Diagnoses and resolves issues across aircraft, payloads, ground systems, datalinks, LAN-based networks, MANET networks, RF communications, SATCOM, and support equipment in field conditions
- Cross-functional coordination: Works directly with FIT, Deployment Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Training, Customer Operations, and customers to close issues and drive operational readiness
- Instructor and mentorship capability: Trains, evaluates, and develops operators while reinforcing standards, TTPs, checklist discipline, and safe operating practices
Requirements
- Demonstrated instructor experience (manned or unmanned aviation)
- FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD security clearance
- Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and customer-required medical/dental screenings
- Willingness to travel on short notice 50 to 75 percent in support of CONUS and OCONUS site surveys, installs, calibrations, flight operations, customer events, and deployment support
- Ability to climb ship masts, vertical ladders, and rooftop access points; work in confined or tight areas; and lift and carry 50 pounds or more in land-based and maritime environments
- Proven ability to lead and operate independently in small teams, including austere, shipboard, expeditionary, and high-tempo environments
- Strong aviation judgment, decision-making, crew coordination, and risk management skills
- Ability to troubleshoot aircraft, payload, ground control, communications, network, and support equipment issues at the field level
Nice to have
- FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot License
- Experience operating as aircrew on manned aircraft
- Experience with MANET, MPU5, RF communications, Starlink, Starshield, and SATCOM integration or setup
- Prior military service, especially with overseas, maritime, or deployed operations
- Maritime or shipboard UAS operational experience
- Previous experience as a Site Lead, Crew Lead, Instructor Operator, or aviation operations lead
- Experience supporting system installation, calibration, test events, or field acceptance activities
- Experience troubleshooting RF, C2, SATCOM, MANET, Starlink, Starshield, ISR payload, or ground control system issues
Benefits
- Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)