UAV Pilot

UAV Pilot

Part Time less than 20

Operatives

Grand Forks, ND, US

Requisition ID: 1101

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge. 

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot role is a hands-on opportunity to operate and advance next-generation Group 2 and Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This position drives the safe execution of missions, testing, and demonstrations in support of research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), production acceptance, and operational deployments. This role ensures mission readiness, adherence to FAA and DoD flight safety standards, and contributes directly to the continued evolution and success of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS programs as they scale into full operations.

This role offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of next-generation Group 3 UAS development, contributing directly to national defense missions. Pilots will operate a cutting-edge attritable platform, gain exposure to RDT&E and production test environments, and support Ideal Aerosmith’s transition into scaled unmanned aircraft manufacturing.

This is a part time role located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This role follows a dynamic schedule that may range from short test flights to long endurance missions (up to 20 hours), with an average of ~50 hours per month; pilots will also support increased mission planning and test preparation activities between flight operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, and execute UAS flight operations for R&D, developmental test, and operational test missions.
• Safely operate Group 2 and Group 3 UAS in both line-of-sight and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) environments.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections, ground checks, and mission readiness assessments.
• Execute missions in accordance with FAA Certificates of Waiver/Authorization (COA), Range Safety requirements, and DoD test protocols.
• Provide input to mission planning, flight test cards, and operational CONOPS development.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting of flight test results.
• Assist with training and mentoring of additional operators as the program scales.
• Work closely with engineers, maintainers, and program management to ensure successful sortie generation and compliance with safety standards.
• Contribute to operational test readiness reviews and government customer demonstrations.
• Travel may be required to test ranges, customer sites, or operational demonstrations.
• Role includes field operations under varied weather conditions in support of extended endurance UAS missions (up to 24 hours).

Qualification Requirements 

• 5+ years of experience operating unmanned aircraft systems.
• 1,000+ flight hours combined on Group 2 and Group 3 UAS
• Group 2 / Group 3 fixed-wing operations experience required
• Private Pilot or Sport Pilot Certificate preferred
• Technical degree in engineering, aviation, or related discipline preferred
• Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)

Skill Requirements 

• Demonstrated technical work experience in unmanned systems operations, avionics, or flight test.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, military range operations, and UAS safety protocols.
• Experience supporting developmental and operational test events for DoD programs.
• Familiarity with TAK-based mission control systems and/or autonomous waypoint-driven operations.
• Prior experience mentoring or training UAS operators. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-tempo test and production environment.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.