Unmanned Aircraft Systems; UAS Chief Pilot

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative solutions, supporting critical missions across defense, intelligence, energy, and civilian sectors. We are seeking a Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Chief Pilot to support our FAA project at the FAA Tech Center Job site in New Jersey.

• Operate as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and/or Visual Observer responsible for flight planning, flight execution and risk management, handling, processing and review.
• Conduct pre‑flight planning to include operational briefings, analyzing weather forecasts, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and airspace requirements.
• Plan and implement operational risk management review for each mission.
• Validate mission‑specific UAS/sensor capabilities, functions, sensor integration, suitability.
• Conduct safety briefings, checklists, FAA airspace and airport tower coordination, and ensure overall mission‑readiness.
• Perform drone pre‑flight inspections, evaluate the mission and environment for tall structures, power poles, towers, other obstructions, various payload operations, camera settings, lighting conditions, and RGB (red, green, blue) check for thermal and LiDAR sensors.
• Execute operational needs and mission requirements as required.
• Document and complete pre/post UAS mission reports.
• Perform equipment testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Document inventory of UAS spares/components and maintenance actions.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal and external entities for safe flight operations.
• Collect, handle and process UAS and related data, photogrammetry, ground surveys and design documents.
• Perform ground control survey using RTK/PPK GPS survey equipment.
• Process and evaluate data accuracy and sufficiency, and ensure deliverables meet expectations and professional standards.
• Prepare and complete reports related to collected field data, post flight missions, and pilot and maintenance logbooks.

• Must have graduated from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in aeronautics, engineering, computer science, environmental science or related field.
• NOTE: A Master's or Doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines including or supplemented by the additional credits as shown may be substituted if the applicant holds a Bachelor's degree in another field.
• Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Minimum of 2 years of UAS piloting experience.
• Possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Valid driver's license required.
• This position requires travel as needed on and off property to transport drone equipment and conduct UAS missions.
• Very strong technical capacity; ability to learn and master multiple software packages, pieces of hardware and different workflows.
• Computers and Technology Experience.
• Desired: A current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
• Experience in using GPS and GPS RTK field collection equipment and processing software products.
• An applied knowledge of surveying references such as coordinate systems, projections, datums, geoids and state plane zones.
• Knowledge – experience with geospatial mapping software and technologies such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Pix4D, Drone2
  
  Map, etc.
• GIS - Survey Experience (GPS, Total Station, Topographic Mapping).

Salary Range: $80,779 – $107,131.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.