Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) - Light Aircraft Aviator - Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Opportunity (Part-Time): Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) – Light Aircraft Aviator - Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Bottom Line Up Front: Hoplite Group seeks a former U.S. military fixed-wing aviator (O-4 to O-6) experienced in airborne ISR, aviation readiness, and sustainment. Support partner-nation aviation capability development in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Location: Remote (CONUS) and forward engagements (OCONUS).

Level of Effort: (Part-Time)

• Non-Travel Months: 20–30 remote hours/month
• OCONUS Engagement Months: 80–100 hours/month
• Travel: Quarterly OCONUS; initial travel anticipated January 2027

Availability: December 2026

Objective: Strengthen partner-nation airborne ISR employment, mission planning, aircraft readiness, and sustainable operations.

Advisor Responsibilities:

• Advise on airborne ISR integration and operational employment.
• Refine aviation/ISR concepts, mission planning, procedures, and aircraft/sensor integration.
• Advise on aircraft readiness, maintenance, logistics, training, safety, and sustainment.
• Identify aviation capability and readiness gaps; recommend practical solutions.
• Align mission needs with aircraft, sensors, personnel, training, and resources.
• Coordinate aviation advice with the team and partner stakeholders on ISR and border security.

Required Qualifications:

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Former U.S. military fixed-wing aviator with operational experience flying U-28A, C-208, or other small/light-wing ISR aircraft.
• Extensive experience in mission planning and sensor integration, at the Squadron, Group, Wing level.
• Experience identifying aviation capability gaps and implementing practical improvements.
• Experience advising senior leaders and collaborating with operators, maintainers, and planners.
• Cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and discretion in partner-nation settings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Aviation readiness and sustainment experience with thorough understanding of maintenance, logistics, training, and safety considerations.
• Headquarters staff experience in operations/planning.
• Partner-nation aviation, security cooperation, or Institutional Capacity Building experience.
• Capability-based planning, DOTMLPF-P, or comparable frameworks.