---
title: 'Air Vehicle Operator 2 at AEVEX'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/air-vehicle-operator-2-aevex-sierra-vista-arizona-g0kgwcj8c2pb'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Air Vehicle Operator 2 at AEVEX

- **Company:** AEVEX
- **Location:** Sierra Vista Arizona, United States
- **Posted:** 2024-11-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace/jobs/4308091008

## Job description

Job Overview

Position primarily functions as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Mission Commander on unmanned aircraft for a Department of Defense national, theater, operational or tactical level customer. The AVO is responsible for coordinating ground and flight operations efforts including mission planning, execution and briefing, debriefing, crew resource management, and ground & flight safety. The AVO is responsible for tasking of the aircraft from preflight, launch, mission, landing, and post flight operations and to monitoring all vital signs of the aircraft. The AVO is the PIC responsible for safe and legal flight of the air vehicle.

Essential Functions

- Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
- Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
- Primarily supports higher tier, longer endurance systems, driven by national or theater level customers.
- Demonstrates the ability to perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
- Must maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; and be familiar with operational methods and infrastructure.
- Understands government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
- Meets/exceeds minimum performance standards as outlines in the master training syllabuses.
- Formulates training programs, lesson plans and schedules, based on knowledge of identified training needs, systems requirements, or service needs.
- Selects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or and computer-based training.
- Organizes and develops training manuals, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
- Trains assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies, and technologies.
- Relocation to CONUS duty location
- Performs other related duties as directed.

Standard Essential Functions

- Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
- Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
- Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

## Qualifications and Competencies

- At least 100+ flight hours on UAS platforms acting as PIC
- Proficient computer skills: Office Suite, specifically spreadsheets, collaboration/communication applications, and manipulation of Adobe forms a must
- Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport.
- Must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
- Meet combatant command theatre entry requirements (e.g., CENTCOM)
- Must maintain FAA Class 2 medical
- Must meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and pass Combat Readiness Course.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must pass a pre-employment background check.
- The ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
- The ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
- The ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
- Work Experience in aviation field in OCONUS (deployed) location.

Education / Certifications

- Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
- Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
- Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.

## Experience

Minimum 2-4 years of relative experience and knowledge of basic UAS flight systems and operations.

- Manned Aviation Experience - 500-1000 hours
- UAS Flight Hours (Group 3+) - 200-500 UAS PIC
- Experience controlling aircraft Beyond Line of Sight and associated data links
- Experience with Piccolo PCC or other Auto Pilot systems
- OCONUS deployment experience is a must.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

- Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
- Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
- Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds
- Constantly required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordination
- Occasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions
- Must meet industry-standard physical requirements to ensure the safe and effective performance of duties. While the role does not typically involve strenuous physical activity, candidates should possess adequate physical fitness and health to withstand the demands of flight operations.

Security Clearance

- Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

## About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

## About AEVEX

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: AEVEX designs, manufactures, and deploys autonomous systems, navigation technologies, and mission solutions for U.S. and allied defense forces.
- **Entity Type**: Private (LLC – backed by undisclosed investors)
- **Headquarters**: Solana Beach, California, USA (with major facilities in Tampa, Florida; Crestview, Florida; Murrieta, California; and Huntsville, Alabama)
- **Founded**: Not publicly available
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Defense technology, aerospace, unmanned systems, autonomous navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied military forces, government agencies (B2G)
- **Mission**: “To design, deliver, and scale autonomous systems that create a decisive advantage in the modern battlespace.”

## Products & Services
- **[CompassX](https://aevex.com/)**: Open‑standards, AI‑driven navigation and autonomy platform for crewed and uncrewed systems, including GPS‑denied navigation and autonomous targeting.
- **[Atlas](https://aevex.com/)**: Group II autonomous precision strike system with high payload‑to‑GTOW ratio for tactical dominance.
- **[Disruptor](https://aevex.com/)**: Next‑generation autonomous precision strike system for extended endurance, multi‑domain versatility (precision attack, ISR, communications relay, EW).
- **[Raker](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance, fixed‑wing uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) produced via digital engineering and additive manufacturing.
- **[Vandal](https://aevex.com/)**: Low‑signature UAS with vision‑based navigation, electric propulsion, and RF‑transparent materials for stealthy operations.
- **[Mako Lite](https://aevex.com/)**: Lightweight, expeditionary unmanned surface vessel for maritime ISR, logistics, and communications.
- **[Mariana](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance ISR UAS with open architecture, autonomous operation, and modular payload design.
- **Engineering & Mission Support**: Aircraft engineering, ISR operations, systems integration, and sustainment services.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed
- **Key Metric (Private)**: Total funding – not publicly available; notable contract wins include an $18.5M U.S. Air Force contract for UAS and engineering services, a $15.2M option year for real‑time aerial intelligence for California, and $15.6M in U.S. Air Force mission‑support contracts.
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Unnamed; recent acquisitions include Veth Research Associates (contested/GPS‑denied navigation) and select assets from RapidFlight (additive manufacturing).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Opened a 60,000 sq ft UAS production facility and showroom in Florida.
  - Launched “Drone Factory of the Future” using additive manufacturing for rapid, scalable production.
  - Achieved AS9100 certification (aerospace quality standard).
  - Leadership transition: Brian Raduenz becomes Executive Chairman, Roger Wells appointed CEO.
  - Active hiring: 103 job openings across multiple locations.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed & Scale**: Digital engineering and additive manufacturing enable rapid prototyping and production at the edge (Drone Factory of the Future).
- **Open Architecture**: CompassX platform integrates crewed and uncrewed systems with AI‑driven autonomy, resistant to GPS denial.
- **Proven in Conflict**: Systems designed and built for real‑world modern battlespace conditions, with a focus on contested and denied environments.
- **Vertical Integration**: From hardware (UAS, USV) to software (autonomy, navigation) to mission support and ISR services.

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling autonomous systems production through the Drone Factory of the Future.
- Expanding UAS portfolio for multi‑domain operations (air, maritime, ground).
- Deepening capabilities in contested environments (GPS‑denied navigation, low‑signature platforms).
- Strengthening relationships with U.S. and allied defense customers via speed‑to‑need delivery and proven performance.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Mission‑driven, values of Accountability, Integrity, Tenacity, Excellence, Teamwork. Emphasis on “moving the mission faster, farther, and forward.”
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, Health FSA / HSA, 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off and holidays, 2 weeks paid parental leave, professional development stipend, monthly gym stipend, wellness initiatives, EAP, life and disability insurance.
- **Work Arrangements**: Multiple on‑site locations (Solana Beach, CA; Tampa & Crestview, FL; Murrieta, CA; Huntsville, AL). Remote/hybrid policy not explicitly stated; roles likely on‑site due to defense nature.
- **Growth**: 103 active job postings across engineering, operations, business development, IT, HR, and more. Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge autonomous systems in a high‑growth defense tech company.

## Sources
1. [aevex.com](https://aevex.com/) – Official website (products, mission, values, news)
2. [aevex.com/who-we-are](https://aevex.com/who-we-are/) – Mission, vision, values, and culture
3. [aevex.com/careers](https://aevex.com/careers/) – Careers page with benefits overview
4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace) – Active job listings (103 roles)
5. [linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace) – LinkedIn profile (headquarters, industry)

## Other roles at AEVEX

- [Field Support Representative 4](https://feeny.ai/job/field-support-representative-4-aevex-ecuador-peru-szcvwfxt3pm3) — Ecuador / Peru
- [Facility Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/facility-manager-aevex-tampa-florida-pckbq2sjer89) — Tampa Florida, United States
- [Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/administrative-assistant-aevex-tampa-florida-3m7s2z29dkw4) — Tampa Florida, United States
- [VP, Investor Relations & Treasury](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-investor-relations-treasury-aevex-united-states-mk200xejdfdz) — United States
- [SIGINT Operator (SIO)](https://feeny.ai/job/sigint-operator-sio-aevex-washington-district-of-columbia-xbcr5770zysn) — Washington District of Columbia, United States
- [ServiceNow Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/servicenow-architect-aevex-united-states-w4b3g02zm3rd) — United States
- [Electrical Engineer 2 - Tactical Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-2-tactical-systems-aevex-tampa-florida-byd84zyh7azq) — Tampa Florida, United States
- [Sr. Pricing Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-pricing-analyst-aevex-united-states-xs5bn2r54kys) — United States
- [Subcontract Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/subcontract-administrator-aevex-murrieta-california-6c91dpbwj7dd) — Murrieta California, United States
- [Procurement Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/procurement-specialist-aevex-murrieta-california-84zj6k5zd55k) — Murrieta California, United States