Senior -Wing UAS Operator; Postion

Senior Fixed-Wing UAS Operator (Contract Position)

Senior Fixed-Wing UAS Operator

Swift Engineering is seeking a highly experienced Senior Fixed-Wing UAS Instructor Operator to support a fielded unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program and deliver training to an international customer.

This role is ideal for a senior operator who can step into a legacy platform environment, quickly assess system readiness, and lead safe, structured flight operations and training with minimal oversight.

The selected candidate will play a critical role in ensuring successful completion of contractual training deliverables while upholding the highest standards of flight safety and operational excellence.

• Conduct rapid familiarization with a fixed‑wing, gas‑powered UAS platform
• Evaluate air vehicle condition, ground control systems (GCS), and operational readiness
• Execute and supervise:
  • Pre‑flight inspections
  • Launch operations (rail, catapult, or bungee systems)
  • Recovery operations (belly landing)
• Troubleshoot and resolve field‑level issues related to propulsion, avionics, communications, and control systems

• Lead training for customer operators and maintainers, including:
  • Mission planning and execution
  • Emergency procedures and contingency operations
  • Launch and recovery techniques
  • Basic maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Conduct live flight training evolutions and ensure safe execution

• Assess and refine existing training materials and documentation
• Develop or update:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Checklists and quick‑reference guides
  • Instructor materials and training curriculum
• Ensure training is structured, repeatable, and aligned with best practices

• Serve as the on‑site subject matter expert for flight operations and training
• Provide clear recommendations on system limitations, risks, and operational improvements
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols and operational discipline

• Extensive experience operating fixed‑wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Gas‑powered UAS platforms
  • Non‑runway launch and recovery systems (catapult, rail, bungee, or equivalent)
• Proven experience delivering formal training to operators and/or maintainers
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Autopilot systems and ground control stations (GCS)
  • RF/data link systems (e.g., Silvus or similar)
• Ability to safely operate within legacy systems
• Demonstrated sound judgment in flight safety and go/no‑go decision‑making
• Willingness to travel internationally and operate in field environments

• Military or defense‑contractor background in UAS operations
• Experience with ISR or tactical fixed‑wing platforms
• Background in UAS flight test combined with field operations
• Experience training international or government customers
• Familiarity with:
  • Belly‑landed aircraft systems
• Strong ownership mentality and ability to operate independently
• Calm and decisive under pressure in live flight environments
• Structured and effective instructor with strong communication skills
• Practical problem‑solver with hands‑on mindset
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety
• Legacy platform with limited historical continuity
• Documentation may be incomplete or require validation
• Fast‑paced, high‑visibility program with international customer engagement
• Requires adaptability, initiative, and technical depth
• Safe execution of all flight operations
• Successful completion of customer training program
• Validated and/or improved training materials and procedures
• Operational recommendations for sustainment and future training

• Competitive contract rate (commensurate with experience)
• Travel, lodging, and per diem provided
• Potential for extended engagement based on program needs

• Direct impact on UAV design and performance
• Close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge unmanned aircraft systems

• Indoor office environment

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s)…