The sUAS Pilot provides design, operation, integration and maintenance support for NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) fleet of sUAS. This position involves managing complex system integrations, and ensuring compliance with NASA, FAA, and DoD standards and requires deep knowledge of flight and ground systems engineering, structural health monitoring, and advanced aerospace system development.

• Prepare briefings and procurement paperwork for components, materials, and ground equipment.
• Fabricate and modify mechanical components, instruments, and prototype hardware for flight and ground systems.
• Assemble, integrate, and test components, wire harnesses, and systems within the airframe.
• Position and calibrate control surfaces, conduct functional tests, and verify telemetry and flight management systems.
• Ensure safe operation of research aircraft, maintaining compliance with NASA/AFRC standards and recordkeeping in NAMIS.
• Maintain and securely store aircraft components, fuels, and energy devices to prevent damage or corrosion.
• Coordinate ground instrumentation setup, calibration, and verification for the sUAS test range.
• Obtain approvals and report to stakeholders (AFTC, NASA UTM, FAA, etc.) on test range planning and usage.
• Assist in sUAS test execution and provide status reports to NASA.
• Capture and manage chemical licenses, procurement records, training data, and flight crew compliance documents.
• Develop and update flight crew training courses, provide instruction, and conduct check rides.
• Evaluate sUAV pilot qualifications and support project tasks like briefings, hazard assessments, and design reviews.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma with 15+ years of experience in piloting remotely controlled/unmanned aircraft.
• FAA Class III medical certification (or NASA Third Class equivalent).
• Experience with multiple sUAS types (fixed-wing, multi-rotor, rotorcraft, turbine-powered, etc.).
• Background in aerospace engineering, flight research, or NASA-related programs.
• Experience in software design, development, and coding within a certified organization.
• UAV flight operations experience, including Edwards Lakebed and North Base operations.
• Flight crew qualifications based on total flight experience, training, and demonstrated performance.
• Any sUAS operated in the National Airspace System (NAS) must be piloted by an individual meeting regulatory requirements.

Certifications & Clearance:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Soldering Certification (Advanced Systems Development Lab).
• Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Turbine Waiver (for turbine-powered sUAS).
• sUAS Pilot Proficiency Check.
• Ground Control Operator (GCO) Proficiency Check.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Extensive experience with NASA flight test processes, aerospace system integration, and flight safety regulations.
• Knowledge of FAA, NASA, and DoD safety and certification requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, CIMS, MML, SharePoint, Cribmaster 9.6+, AutoCAD, SolidWorks/Creo, FreeRTOS, C++, GitLab, LabVIEW, and NAMIS.
• Expertise in composite material handling, layup, curing, and safety procedures.
• Experience with subscale vehicles, compact avionics packaging, avionics mounting in composite structures.
• Skills in tight-quarters soldering, wiring, terminations, connectors, circuit board fabrication, avionics test stand repair, and harness fabrication (mil-spec and consumer-grade connectors).
• Experience with miniature turbojet engines, electric propulsion, propellers, governors, and lithium-polymer battery maintenance.
• Familiarity with UAV launch/recovery operations, Ground Control Stations (GCS), antennas, and radio links.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and assemble subscale vehicles with minimal directives.
• CAD/CAM experience in prototype part design and fabrication.

Soft Skills & Work Environment:

• Proven ability to lead and manage complex projects.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent technical communication and presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work under time-critical flight test conditions and collaborate in a team environment.
• Strong public interaction skills for coordinating sUAS test range approvals and reporting to agencies (AFTC, NASA UTM, FAA, etc.).
• Ability to travel as required for technical reviews, test flights, and NASA research engagements.

Work Environment & Additional Information:

• Primary work location: NASA AFRC at Edwards AFB.
• Working hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday-Thursday, with alternating Fridays off.
• Travel required for design reviews, technical meetings, and flight test support.

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $91,600.00/Yr. - USD $153,000.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

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