UAS Operator and Training Specialist

EMD LLC; Summit Point (WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

EMD LLC seeks a skilled UAS operations and training specialist to conduct and oversee Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft operations in support of operational, training, and test activities. You will lead hands-on training for new and existing UAS operators across multiple platforms and develop instructional materials and standard procedures.

You will plan missions, perform pre/post flight activities, mentor operators, and coordinate with government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

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 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 75% 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.

Skills

UAS operations

Training delivery

Instructor development

Mission planning

Leadership/mentoring

Briefing to leadership

Cross‑functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical

5+ years of operational UAS and training experience

Tools

Mission planning software

RF communications familiarity

Job 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 75% 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• 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.
• 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.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• 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.

EEO Statement:

EMD LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to do their best work. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.