About this opportunity
Textron lists this External Pilot opportunity in hunt valley, Maryland. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
External Pilot
nDescription
nWho We Are
nWe are Textron Systems, best known for innovative defense technologies and services. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. We are a part of Textron Inc, one of the world’s leading multi-industry companies, recognized for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, E-Z-GO and many more.
nThis role is in Textron System’s Uncrewed Land and Air Systems business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & HoweandHowe.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!
nAbout This Role
nIn this role, you will provide External Pilot support to the various initiatives underway within Textron Systems Uncrewed Air and Land. In this role, you will have the opportunity to fly various aircraft ranging in size from Group1 to Group 3 UAS as fixed wing and VTOL platforms. This position is focused on research and development activities. Duties include but are not limited to; assisting project engineering with all aspects of new product integration, implementation, and testing in both ground and flight environments, support of new integration flight tests, customer training and support, system capability demonstration flights, and New Aircraft Check Out (NACO) of production UAS platforms at operational locations around the globe. Additional duties will include emplacement, displacement, periodic and routine inspection, required maintenance, and replenishment of other associated ground equipment as well as proper notation of logbooks and records. Duties and responsibilities will require travel both domestically and internationally in support of our product line and customer relations. Additional daily duties may occur on a situational basis and will be assigned as necessary.
nResponsibilities
nnnServe as an Aerosonde External Pilot supporting Training, Demonstration, and Research/Development operations. Performing all required flight duties in a safe and efficient manner.
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nnRepresent the Aerosonde Internal Research and Development team in coordinating local flight test needs.
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nnPerform tasks including integration, troubleshooting, emplacement, displacement, inspection, disposition, repair, and replenishment of associated equipment.
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nnMaintain accurate logbooks, flight records, and COLTS documentation.
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nnManage frequency deconfliction, airspace reservations, and test site preparation, including requisitioning supplemental Ground Support Equipment.
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nnAct as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for operator and maintenance-related issues.
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nnAssist multiple engineering disciplines with integration, test of product improvements.
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nnAssist in the preparation of test engineering work products, including test plans, procedures, and reports, to internal review teams and external customers.
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nnSupport offsite testing and demonstrations.
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nnActively perform lab maintenance, safety audits, and material tracking.
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nnServe as the liaison between Engineering, Training and Publications teams, and other users.
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nnUse small hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, taps, and drills
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nnOperate electronic and mechanical test equipment.
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n nQualifications
nnnTwo years prior Aerosonde/UAS experience is highly desirable. If no previous Aerosonde/UAS experience, applicant must have 5 years of competition level (AMA/IMAC) Remote Control airplane experience and be a proficient R/C helicopter pilot.
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nnFAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable.
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nnExperience with and understanding of radio datalinks, mesh networks, and frequency bands.
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nnCommunicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
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nnWilling to travel up to 50% domestic with international travel possible.
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nnKnowledge of GPS systems, Electronic Speed Controllers, and small electronic devices is desired.
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nnAbility to multitask and prioritize tasking.
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nnAbility to work in extreme weather conditions.
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nnMust be a team player and able to work with minimum supervision.
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nnHigh School diploma required.
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nnGeneral Mechanical or Electrical aptitude desired.
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nnAbility to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
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nnAbility to work extended hours to meet program goals.
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nnWorking knowledge of UAS and Military hardware is a plus.
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nnAbility to work in tight quarters and confined spaces.
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n nEligible to obtain and maintain a US Government SECRET security clearance and an FAA Class II Medical certificate.
nTextron’s compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
nIn compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is
n$31.00 - $46.29 per hour.
nEEO Statement
nTextron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
nRecruiting Company: Textron Systems
nPrimary Location: US-Maryland-Hunt Valley
nJob Function: Flight Operations
nSchedule: Full-time
nJob Level: Individual Contributor
nJob Type: Experienced
nShift: First Shift
nTravel: Yes, 50 % of the Time
nJob Posting: 05/27/2026, 3:40:19 PM
nJob Number:
Worksite address
hunt valley, MD, 21065, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.