Ground Control Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with frequent domestic and some international travel supporting customer demonstrations, flight testing, military exercises, training events, and operational missions.

Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor aircraft in developmental, operational, and customer-facing environments. In addition to flight operations, pilots work closely with engineering teams, support aircraft integration and testing, and deliver customer training on aircraft, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.

We're looking for professionals who are technically capable, safety-focused, adaptable, and comfortable working independently in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations

• Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
• Potential to operate as both an Air Vehicle Operator and External/Safety Pilot.
• Perform developmental flight testing, functional check flights, customer demonstrations, training missions, and operational deployments.
• Execute autonomous and manually controlled flight operations using multiple UAS platforms.
• Conduct mission planning, risk assessments, weather analysis, and flight briefings.
• Configure mission plans, geofences, and aircraft failsafe settings.
• Complete post-flight inspections, flight logs, mission debriefs, and data analysis.

Aircraft Operations & Maintenance

• Perform aircraft preflight and post-flight inspections.
• Conduct basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs.
• Support aircraft assembly, modifications, payload integration, and configuration changes.
• Assist engineering with prototype development and system validation.
• Maintain aircraft and support equipment in mission-ready condition.

Flight Test & Engineering Support

• Support developmental flight testing and aircraft performance evaluations.
• Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
• Assist engineers with avionics, payload, autonomy, and software validation.
• Identify opportunities to improve aircraft reliability and mission performance.
• Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations.

Customer Operations, Training & Instruction

• Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction for UAS operators, external pilots, and maintainers.
• Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.
• Develop and update lesson plans, practical exercises, checklists, and training materials.
• Evaluate student performance and provide coaching to ensure safe and effective system operation.
• Support customer qualification events, new equipment training, and fielding activities.
• Represent SpektreWorks professionally during customer interactions and technical demonstrations.

Operational Support

• Coordinate logistics for personnel, aircraft, batteries, support equipment, and payloads.
• Prepare flight documentation, NOTAMs, airspace authorizations, and range coordination packages.
• Maintain accurate operational records and mission documentation.
• Assist with proposal support, technical documentation, and standard operating procedure development.
• Perform additional operational and engineering duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO and/or EP).
• Experience operating fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
• Experience with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Station software.
• Strong understanding of autonomous mission planning and flight operations.
• Ability to perform field troubleshooting and basic aircraft maintenance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and flight-test environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.
• FAA Issued Manned Pilot License.
• 1,500+ hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience.
• Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor.
• Experience developing and delivering technical training for UAS operators and maintainers.
• Experience instructing customers on mission planning software, ground control stations, payloads, and ground support equipment.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense UAS programs.
• Experience operating Group 1, 2 or Group 3 UAS platforms.
• Experience with VTOL aircraft and ISR payloads.
• Flight test or developmental test experience.
• Familiarity with autonomous flight systems and mission planning software.
• Composite aircraft repair or fabrication experience.
• Previous overseas deployment experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in office, laboratory, production, hangar, and outdoor flight-test environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent domestic and international travel.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, to support flight operations and customer requirements.