UAS Operating and Training Specialist

Emd, Llc; West Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Emd, Llc is seeking a qualified UAS Operations and Training Specialist to conduct Group 1-3 flight operations and to lead hands-on operator training across multiple platforms. The role includes developing instructor materials and coordinating with government stakeholders during missions and training activities.

The position requires travel domestically and internationally, including austere environments, with a strong emphasis on safety, mentorship, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical with 3+ years of relevant experience, or 5+ years in UAS/training.
• FAA Part 107 certification and proven operation of Group 1-3 UAS.
• Experience delivering UAS training and operator instruction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including austere environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safe and effective Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in support of operational, training, and test activities.
• Support and conduct hands-on training for UAS operators on multiple platforms.
• Develop and refresh UAS instructor programs and materials.
• Evaluate operator proficiency and provide mentorship.
• Support certification and qualification programs for operators.
• Execute mission planning, preflight, in-flight, and post-flight activities.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders during missions and training.
• Prepare mission summaries and briefing materials for leadership.
• Operate in fast-paced environments maintaining safety and mission effectiveness.

Skills

FAA Part 107 certification

UAS Group 1-3 experience

Operational in tactical/public safety

Travel domestically/internationally

Verbal and written communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical

Tools

Mission planning software

Job description

Description

• Conduct safe and effective Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in support of operational, training, and test activities.
• Support and conduct hands‑on training for new and existing UAS operators on multiple UAS platforms.
• Conduct in‑house instructor development and refresher training.
• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of UAS training materials, flight procedures, qualification standards, compliance requirements, and instructional guides.
• Evaluate operator proficiency and provide mentorship, coaching, and remediation as required.
• Support the development and execution of internal and external operator certification and qualification programs.
• Execute mission planning, pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight activities for operational and training missions.
• Support domestic and international deployment operations, including travel to austere and high‑threat environments up to 30% of the time.
• Conduct operational checks, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities for UAS equipment and payloads.
• Support test and evaluation activities involving emerging UAS and C‑UAS technologies.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders, vendors, and operational personnel during mission execution and training events.
• Prepare mission summaries, situational reports, executive summaries, and briefing materials for leadership.
• Operate in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment while maintaining safety, professionalism, and mission effectiveness.

Requirements

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical with 3+ years of relevant experience OR 5+ years of operational UAS and training experience
• Experience operating in tactical, public safety, law enforcement, military, or national security environments.
• FAA Part 107 certification.
• Demonstrated experience operating rotary and fixed‑wing Group 1-3 UAS platforms.
• Experience supporting or conducting UAS training events and operator instruction.
• Experience supporting instructional programs, flight training, or operator qualification programs.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including austere and high‑threat environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in dynamic operational environments.
• Experience briefing operational status, findings, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

Desired Skills

• Experience supporting overseas contingency or high‑threat operations.
• Familiarity with RF communications, video transmission systems, and networking concepts.
• Experience with mission planning software.
• Experience troubleshooting UAS hardware and software systems.
• Experience supporting the development of standard operating procedures, tactics, techniques, and procedures, or training material.
• Formal UAS instructor qualification/certification from a recognized military, government, OEM, public safety, or industry training program.
• Active SECRET clearance.