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

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations & System Checkout

• 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)
  • Mission execution
  • Recovery operations (belly landing)
• Troubleshoot and resolve field-level issues related to propulsion, avionics, communications, and control systems

Training Delivery (Primary Focus)

• Lead training for customer operators and maintainers, including:
• • System overview (aircraft, GCS, communications architecture)
  • 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

Training Program Development

• 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

Operational Leadership

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
  • Long-endurance UAS platforms

Key Competencies

• 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

Program Environment

• 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

Deliverables

• 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

Compensation & Logistics

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

What We Offer

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

Working Conditions:

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) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. 

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. 

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. Swift is an EOE.  Must be “US Person” per ITAR qualifications.

About Swift Engineering

If you’re passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.