Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
JOB TITLE: STANDARDIZATION PILOT III
DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS
REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING MANAGER
CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT
LOCATION: BLACKSTONE, VA
STATUS: FULL TIME
JOB SUMMARY:
The Standardization Pilot is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining standardized flight operations practices to ensure safe, compliant, and consistent execution of Vanilla UAS missions. This role supports the initial build and maturation of the Flight Operations Standardization function and serves as a key contributor to operational oversight, risk management, and continuous improvement. The Standardization Pilot conducts evaluations, audits, and risk assessments; supports Safety Management System (SMS) implementation; and ensures operational procedures align with internal standards, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, review, and implement standardized flight operations policies, procedures, and guidance for Vanilla UAS operations.
- Support the stand-up and ongoing development of the Flight Operations Standardization framework and team.
- Conduct operational audits, evaluations, and assessments to verify adherence to approved procedures and standards.
- Support implementation and execution of Safety Management System (SMS) processes, including hazard identification, risk assessments, and mitigation tracking.
- Identify operational risks, standardization gaps, and procedural deviations; recommend and implement corrective actions.
- Track and analyze standardization, safety, and performance trends across flight operations.
- Collaborate with Flight Operations leadership, instructors, and pilots to reinforce standardized practices and continuous improvement.
- Support investigation, documentation, and follow-up of operational events, findings, or deviations related to standardization.
- Maintain accurate and audit-ready documentation related to policies, evaluations, audits, and risk controls.
- Support internal and external audits, inspections, or reviews as required.
- Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED required and 5+ years of relevant aviation experience, including Group 3 UAS operations or comparable aircraft operations.
- 3 years of experience in a standardization, evaluation, training, or operational oversight role.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Strong understanding of aviation standardization, evaluations, and operational compliance.
- Ability to assess operational performance and identify risk and standardization trends.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for policy development and audit reporting.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while supporting cross-functional teams.
- High attention to detail and commitment to safety, consistency, and mission execution.
- Demonstrated understanding of operational risk management and standardization principles.
- Able to travel up to 75%.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field.
- Military flight experience is highly desirable.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Instrument Rating.
- Prior Department of Defense (DoD) or government contractor standardization experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.
- Must be able to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to, perceiving differences in wire cable colors; moving and/or lifting items such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 50 pounds; working aloft; and climbing ladders.
- Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.