Air Vehicle Operator IV

Posted:
9/15/2025, 6:12:37 AM

Location(s):
Benson, Arizona, United States ⋅ Arizona, United States

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Operations & Logistics

Workplace Type:
Remote

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

 

Summary

The Flight Standards Field Services Representative IV (FSR IV) operates and provides instruction on Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in the field. In this senior level role, one ensures all SUAS flight and ground operations follow established procedures and are conducted safely. In addition, the Standards FSR IV will be required to develop training support packages, while working closely with the Flight Standards Manager, Program Managers and Product Engineers to ensure that course material reflects current product features.

Position Responsibilities

  • Reports directly to the Manager, Flight Standardization
  • Demonstrated ability to perform at a higher level
    • Demonstrated level of reliable decision making
    • Demonstrated level of maturity
    • Demonstrated level of reliable responsibility
    • Demonstrated level of leadership ability
  • Assists the Flight Standardization Manager in curriculum development and validation of training courses.
  • Responsible for the design and development of Training Programs for current and future SUAS product lines.
  • Responsible for curriculum development and validation of all training courses offered by the company
  • Responsible for developing new training courses based on documented customer requirements of the system assigned and assist on other systems as directed.
  • Works closely with program managers and product engineers to develop user manuals and courseware.
  • Must have an above-average level of expertise in operating computer software and hardware.
  • Will operate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in the field.
  • Will be responsible for execution of SUAS Operator Training Course.  
    • Responsible for SUAS Instructor assignments during course and ensures instructors maintain the highest level of system competency.
    • Responsible for classroom scheduling and coordination of SUAS operations training areas.
    • Responsible for airspace management and de-conflict with Air Traffic Control and Range Control operation centers.  
    • Liaison between students and Customer Program Office.  Monitors student progress and deficiencies; makes recommendations for student removal if warranted.
    • Constantly monitors course progress and adjusts training schedule to ensure course completion.
    • Responsible for ensuring proper amount of training equipment at training location.  Works closely with maintenance support personnel to monitor status of repair, return and resupply of equipment from AeroVironment.
    • Responsible for the safety of all instructors and students during the training course.
    • Prepares Operator Training Course material for subsequent classes.
    • Responsible for tracking training course statistics and student critique inputs.  Provides data to Flight Operations Manager for trends analysis.
    • Responsible for instructor conduct and professional development during the course of instruction.
    • Observes instructor performance and corrects deficiencies; advises Flight Standards and Flight Operations Managers.
    • Ensure all SUAS flight and ground operations are IAW established procedures.
  • Must be able to work well within a team environment, communicating with senior leadership as well as mentoring junior staff.
  • May assist in Business Development as needed providing flight demonstrations and working trade shows.
  • Position will be remote but will travel extensively to isolated locations throughout the US and abroad.
  • May be required to perform duties of Mission Commander
    • Complete Mission Packets and conduct briefings of the day’s flight operations to key personnel.
    • Conduct reviews of weather, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS), and Special Instructions (SPINS) for possible conflicts.
    • Understand local Airspace Control Plan (ACP) and ensure proper inclusion of ISR SUAS operations.
    • Complete necessary documentation for the development of briefings and risk assessments.
      • Ensure airspace is obtained and relayed to flight crews prior to commencing operations.
      • Monitor mission status and advise customer representatives and controlling authorities of any changes affecting mission capabilities.
      • Review weather forecast updates to determine effects on the ISR SUAS mission.
      • Ensure all communications and data systems are functioning properly

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent; Bachelor’s degree is highly preferred
  • Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Prior military experience or equivalent training experience in an aircraft / aerospace manufacturing firm
  • Prior military instructor/Special Operations experience highly desirablePrefer Special Forces, SEAL, Special Tactics, Ranger, Force Recon / MARSOC, Scout, Forward Observer, TACP, or Aviation backgrounds
  • Prior hobby experience with Remote Controlled (RC) aircraft helpful but not required

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

  • Solid understanding of military tactics, operations, GPS and Navigation utilizing map and compass
  • Must have strong analytical skills with which to solve various degrees of complex problems
  • Must have the ability to work with little or no supervision and exercise independent judgment on a regular basis.  
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, blueprint or sketches
  • Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Demonstrates basic computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools
  • Effectively lead, train and mentor small groups of students in meeting course objectives
  • Has strong communication skills as well as interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines
  • Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
  • Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Physical Demands

  • Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)
  • Lift up to 70 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes for shipment to & set up at various customer training sites (Occasional)
  • Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
  • Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Frequent)
  • Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Frequent)
  • Repeatedly throw objects up to 16lbs over shoulder (Frequent)
  • Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
  • Crouching, reaching and keying (Frequent)
  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)

Special Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Must have the capability to obtain a U.S. passport
  • Must have a clean driving record in order to drive company vehicles
  • Will be required to pass FAA Part 107 training
  • Must pass and maintain a medical and dental exam for deployment(s)
  • Should be accustomed to isolation and is expected to work long irregular hours, weekends and holidays and in difficult situations, environments and watches
  • Because of various out-of-area training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short and long-term deployments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS consisting of up to 75% travel.

The salary range for this role is:

$98,432 - $139,650

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

AeroVironment

Website: https://www.avinc.com/

Headquarter Location: Monrovia, California, United States

Employee Count: 1001-5000

Year Founded: 1971

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Equity

Industries: Aerospace ⋅ Air Transportation ⋅ Drones ⋅ Electric Vehicle ⋅ Electronics ⋅ Energy ⋅ Government ⋅ Manufacturing