Security UAS Specialist

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Memphis, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Security UAS Specialist to operate, maintain and manage the fleet of remote vehicles across multiple facilities. You will provide persistent aerial surveillance, data collection and analysis, and advise site leadership on system capabilities and opportunities.

The role emphasizes safety, training other team members, and coordinating with security operations. A high school diploma and FAA UAS Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are required, with travel up to 35% expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certification.
• Current FAA UAS Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with small UAS rating.

Responsibilities

• Perform launch, flight, and recovery of UAS including preflight inspections and post flight inspections.
• Install payloads (cameras, datalinks, and test instrumentation) and ensure operational readiness.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding innovative use of remote vehicles.
• Under supervision, perform aerial data collection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
• Act as Pilot in Command while operating sUAS and supervise other operators.
• Conduct quality assurance checks following data collection for adequate project coverage.

Skills

UAS Operations

Remote Pilot Certification

Flight planning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SECURITY UAS SPECIALIST

The Security UAS Specialist operates, maintains and manages the fleet of remote vehicles in use with SpaceX. The Security UAS Specialist will operate under the direction of the Security UAS Manager and will provide persistent aerial surveillance, data collection and analysis and advise site leadership of system capabilities and opportunities. This role will work in multiple environments and facilities that support the overall goals of SpaceX. When not operating or maintaining vehicles, these specialists will assist in developing use procedures and training system users.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform launch, flight, and recovery of UAS including preflight inspections, operational checks, installation of payloads (cameras, datalinks, and test instrumentation), and post flight inspections.
• Perform preventative maintenance on sensor equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding the innovative use of remote vehicles.
• Under the review and direction of the Security UAS Manager, perform aerial data collection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
• Act as the Pilot in Command while operating sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and provide supervision to other operators.
• Basic GPS data collection for collecting survey points.
• Operates and maintains sUAS/Drones for use in mapping, surveying, and inspections. Duties include flight plan preparation, data collection, processing, and documentation.
• Conduct quality assurance checks following data collection to ensure adequate project coverage.
• Excellent judgement with a clear “safety-first” mentality.
• Integrate sUAS and other remote systems into security operations in partnership with a diverse array of supporting teams.
• Train and supervise other members of the team in the safe operation of remote vehicles and support licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with all staff members in the development and use of proper procedures in support of remote systems employment by Physical Security.
• Ensure all components and materials are clean and serviceable.
• Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required.
• Perform a variety of related duties in support of Physical Security, as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certification.
• Current FAA UAS Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with small UAS rating.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Possess fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight experience in autonomous and non-autonomous modes.
• RC Pilot Experience and manual flight skills in complex environments.
• Experience with common flight planning and ground station software such as:
  Pix4d, Drone Deploy, Drone2Map, DJI suite, Auterion suite, etc.
• Understanding of various sensor and payload types and their appropriate employment.
• Knowledge of Airspace Restrictions, NOTAMS and COA requests and risk assessments.
• Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and photo generation/compilation.
• Use of precision measuring instruments/equipment such as laser rangefinders and GPS units.
• Understanding of signal and spectrum de-confliction to allow safe operation in a congested electronic environment.
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in‑writing) between other employees and customers.
• A passion for troubleshooting problems in the field.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the public.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 35lbs. unassisted
• Ability to pass background screening for access to facilities housed on the Department of Defense (DOD) installations.
• Comfortable working at elevated heights (up to 300 feet) with appropriate safety gear.
• Comfortable working in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends, as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Willing to travel as needed (up to 35%).
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affiant Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail] .