UAS / Drone Pilot & Training Specialist | Defense

UAS / Drone Pilot & Training Specialist | Defense At WingXpand®Locations:Chicago (Schaumburg), IL‍Type:Full-time, Part-time, or Contract | Open 6/29/26 | Close 7/13/26About WingXpandWingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.Position DescriptionWingXpand is seeking experienced pilots and trainers to help deliver the next generation of autonomous systems to the U.S. military and defense community. This is a hands on role for professionals who thrive in the field, enjoy teaching others, and want to help shape how autonomous aircraft are deployed across real world missions. You will conduct flight operations, support military demonstrations, train operators, develop training materials, and work directly with customers to ensure mission success. You will serve as the face of WingXpand during customer engagements, helping operators build confidence while providing valuable feedback that improves our products. This role is for leaders who remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, solve problems in the field, and take ownership of every mission. If you are passionate about supporting those who serve, enjoy working with cutting edge technology, and want to help define the future of autonomous systems, we want to hear from you.Key Responsibilities:Conduct flight operations for WingXpand autonomousaircraft during demonstrations, testing, training, and customer eventsTrain military, government, and commercialoperators on WingXpand systems and mission planningDevelop and deliver classroom, simulator, andhands on flight trainingSupport customer evaluations, exercises, andoperational field eventsRepresent WingXpand during military demonstrations, conferences, and customer engagementsAssist customers with mission planning, system setup, troubleshooting, and operational best practicesCapture customer feedback and work closely withengineering to improve products and trainingDevelop training documentation, standard operatingprocedures, and instructional materialsSupport internal flight testing, productvalidation, and new capability evaluationsTravel regularly to customer sites, militaryinstallations, and training events Qualifications:Military service or government aviation experience preferred2 to 10+ years of experience operating unmanned aircraft, aviation systems, or military equipmentExperience instructing, coaching, or training operators in technical systemsExcellent communication and presentation skillsComfortable working independently in dynamic field environmentsStrong problem solving skills with the ability to adapt quickly during customer operationsWillingness to travel extensively throughout the United States Additional qualifications:Prior military service in aviation, intelligence,reconnaissance, special operations, artillery, or unmanned aircraft operationsExperience operating Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 UAS platformsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMilitary Instructor, Master Trainer,Standardization, or Evaluator qualificationsExperience supporting military exercises,operational testing, or field experimentationActive U.S. Security Clearance or ability toobtain oneExperience with mission planning software, radios,tactical communications, or ATAKWhat Else You Need to KnowTo conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).If you are a self-motivated, results-driven...