Counter Drone Technical SME

Unmanned Safety Institute, Inc.; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Unmanned Safety Institute, Inc. seeks a CUAS Technical Specialist to support TSA and Federal Air Marshal Service operations. Responsibilities include deploying, configuring, operating, and maintaining CUAS equipment in field and fixed-site setups.

The role requires high school diploma, 3+ years in CUAS technical/operational roles, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, and ability to travel up to 30% nationwide. Security clearances may be required.

Qualifications

• CUAS operations experience or equivalent in gov/contract settings.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, firmware, networking, and communications.
• Experience documenting technical activities, maintenance actions, and incidents.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, and operate fixed-site, mobile, and portable CUAS systems.
• Operate detection and mitigation equipment under government direction.
• Perform pre-deployment testing, calibration, and readiness verification.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot CUAS hardware, software, firmware, networks, and comms.
• Diagnose issues and coordinate repairs and vendor support.
• Support data portals, TAK, and integration tools.
• Support interoperability among sensors and C2 systems.
• Monitor equipment condition and status.
• Travel up to 30% to deployment locations nationwide.

Skills

CUAS operations experience

Hardware/software troubleshooting

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Our client is seeking a CUAS Technical Specialist to support the Transportation Security Administration’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems program and Federal Air Marshal Service national security operations. This hands-on role involves deploying, configuring, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and recovering CUAS equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Set up, configure, and operate fixed-site, mobile, and portable CUAS systems.
• Operate CUAS detection and authorized mitigation equipment under required government direction or oversight.
• Perform pre-deployment testing, system calibration, operational checks, and readiness verification.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot government-approved CUAS hardware, software, firmware, networks, and communications.
• Diagnose technical issues and coordinate equipment repairs and vendor support.
• Support CUAS data portals, Team Awareness Kit (TAK), and other approved integration and situational awareness tools.
• Support interoperability among CUAS sensors, command-and-control systems, networks, data portals, and approved external systems.
• Monitor equipment condition, performance, connectivity, and operational status.
• Work across multiple CUAS manufacturers, platforms, and configurations, including vendor-neutral technologies.
• Prepare and maintain documentation covering CUAS operations, maintenance activities, system status, technical findings, incidents, and after-action reports.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of relevant CUAS technical or operational experience.
• Background in the military, civilian law enforcement, CUAS field service, CUAS contract support, or comparable technical work supporting CUAS or related systems.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience deploying, setting up, configuring, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and recovering technical equipment and systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, firmware, networking, communications, and integrated technical systems.
• Experience documenting technical activities, maintenance actions, system status, incidents, and after-action activities.
• U.S. citizenship and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, if required. We will confirm how this aligns with the TSA suitability requirement discussed on the call.
• Ability to travel up to 30% from the National Capital Region to deployment locations nationwide.
• Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 70 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
• Ability to work outdoors, stand for extended periods, and work in varying weather and field conditions.
• Availability to occasionally support operations outside normal business hours.