UAS Operator and Training Specialist

Drone.vet; West Virginia; On-site; USD 104,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Parsons is seeking an experienced UAS Operator and Training Specialist to support the development, maintenance, and enhancement of UAS training materials, flight procedures, and qualification standards.

You will perform group 1-3 UAS flight operations, train operators across multiple platforms, and contribute to instructor development, certification programs, and mission planning. Domestic and international travel up to 30% is required while ensuring safety and mission effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical field with relevant experience or 5+ years of operational UAS and training experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safe and effective Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in support of training and test activities.

Skills

UAS operations

FAA Part 107

Group 1-3 UAS

Instructor/training

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM or aeronautical

Tools

Mission planning software

RF communications knowledge

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented UAS Operator and Training Specialist to join our team! In this role you will get to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of UAS training materials, flight procedures, qualification standards, compliance requirements, and instructional guides.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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

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.
• 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, up to 30% of the time.
• 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.
• Active SECRET clearance.

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.

Security Clearance Requirement

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close‑knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best‑in‑class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest