Independent Contractor Flight Instructor Jobs in Alabama

Company Overview

Griffon Aerospace is a trusted aerospace solutions provider based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in the design, development, and operation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Since 1995, we have delivered over 12,000 unmanned air vehicles to the Department of Defense, allied nations, and commercial customers. We pride ourselves on being a lion-hearted partner, designing, building, and flying the most capable and intelligent aerial systems that give our servicemen an unfair advantage wherever they fly.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking a talented Flight Test and Instructor Operator to join our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. This position directly interfaces with Customer, Manufacturing, Engineering, Flight Test and UAS Flight Operations Staff

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with large military UAS platforms and demonstrate exceptional situational awareness, precision control skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in a military flight test environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental flight tests for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) platforms.
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), supporting daily flight training, test events, demonstration events, and production sorties.
• Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the unmanned aircraft system.

• Formulate flight training programs, lesson plans, and flight training schedules, based on program requirements.
• Select appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or computer-based training.

• Organize and develop training manuals, checklists, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
• Train assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Act as an Instructor Operator for Griffon Aerospace. Responsible for training and evaluating soldier and contractor personnel on the operation of Unmanned Aircraft System including aircraft qualification training, sustainment training, upgrade training, standardization flight evaluations, no notice evaluations, and refresher training.
• Coordinate and actively participate in ground and flight operations efforts including mission planning, execution and briefing, debriefing, aircrew resource management, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with service guidance, company policy/ procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work safely following established operating procedures and practices.
• Familiarity with Army forms, records, and publications as well as Contractor Flight and Ground Operations procedures and records.
• Additional Functions/Other duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating DoD Group 3 UAS or larger
• U.S. Army UAS Instructor Operator Course graduate or equivalent
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to test sites
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOT medical certificate

• S. Passport or ability to obtain
• Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class II FAA Flight Physical.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Candidate must have the ability to operate Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in multiple flight modes from a Ground Controlled Station (GCS).
• Must have demonstrated ability to apply practical knowledge to flight testing applicable to the developmental and system qualification testing of DoD unmanned aircraft.
• The ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• The ability to work extended hours when required by contractual needs.
• The ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military UAS programs, particularly Army aviation systems
• Background in flight testing or developmental aircraft programs
• Experience tuning autopilot flight controls
• Knowledge of Army aviation procedures and tactical operations
• Knowledge of FAA rules and procedures
• Prior military aviation experience
• Experience with simulator training systems
• Mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills

Physical Requirements

• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain visual contact with aircraft at extended distances
• Ability to stand for extended periods during flight operations
• Capability to work in various outdoor environments and weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment

Work Environment

• Combination of office, laboratory, and field environments
• Travel to test sites and customer locations as required
• Potential for deployment to military installations domestically and overseas
• May include working in challenging weather conditions and environments

Clearance Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance required
• U.S. citizenship required

Travel Requirements

30-50% travel to test sites, customer locations, and potential deployment locations