FLIGHT TEST PILOT III with Security Clearance

REPORTS TO: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) CLASSIFICATION: Exempt CLEARANCE: Secret LOCATION: Hollywood, MD Job Summary The Flight Test Pilot III supports Research and Development (R&D) flight operations for long-endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing flight test activities while ensuring safety, compliance, and mission success. The position requires the ability to operate independently, apply strong technical expertise, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and support the continued development and advancement of UAS platforms and systems. Major Duties and Responsibilities * Plan and execute R&D flight test programs for multi-day endurance UAS platforms, ensuring alignment with program objectives and test requirements. * Develop and refine detailed test plans and flight test cards, including objectives, procedures, risk assessments, and success criteria. * Collaborate with Flight Operations leadership to coordinate and deconflict test events and support new capability development and rollout. * Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for both ground and flight test activities. * Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Software teams to integrate and evaluate advanced systems and technologies. * Support and conduct ground testing activities for systems integration, functionality verification, and pre-flight validation. * Serve as Lead Pilot during R&D flight operations, executing test maneuvers and ensuring accurate and complete data collection. * Ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and operational standards during all flight activities. * Lead post-flight debriefings, document lessons learned, and provide recommendations to support iterative system development and performance improvements. * Analyze flight test data, document results, identify anomalies, and recommend corrective actions or design changes. * Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for R&D flight and ground operations. * Support domestic and international flight operations and deployments, as required. * Perform other duties as necessary and/or required.