UAS Pilot and Safety Coordinator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 63,708 - 79,635; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is hiring a UAS Pilot to support research using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Candidates should have experience in piloting, good communication skills, and the physical ability to manage field operations including carrying equipment.

This full-time role requires U.S. citizenship and offers a salary range from $63,708 to $79,635 based on experience, with no eligibility for overtime. The position involves diverse tasks in various environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift, carry, move equipment of up to 25 pounds.
• Must possess a safe driving record for government vehicle operation.
• Ability to work outdoors in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours.

Responsibilities

• Support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS research.
• Execute tasks assigned by flight operations and engineering teams.
• Manage UAS field operations effectively.

Skills

Experience with piloting autonomous or uncrewed aircraft

Good communication skills

Proficient RC flying skills

Job description

Job Description

Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is seeking qualifiedapplicants with experience in flight operations disciplinesrelevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a supportingpilot of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for Counter-UAS research andtesting. Successful applicants will be able to support a diversearray of tasks related to UAS research, with preference given tocandidates who have both uncrewed aircraft pilot experience as wellas experience operating counter UAS systems.

Applicants who qualify to participate in the DOD Skillbridgeprogram are encouraged to apply.

The UAS Pilot Coordinator must be a self-motivated team player whocan take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasking from the flight operations andengineering team leads and will report to the MAAP Chief of FlightOperations. The incumbent is expected to exercise sounddecision-making and problem-solving skills while interacting withinternal and external Test Site users and partners. The incumbentshould be able to independently and effectively manage UAS fieldoperations in diverse field environments. This position will beexpected to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and fieldsupplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drivea government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmentalconditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walkminimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain. This position alsoinvolves fine manipulation of UAS equipment and parts.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewedaircraft
• Good communication skills
• Applicants must be able to lift, carry, move, load/unloadequipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safedriving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to workoutside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well asthe ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneventerrain.
• Due to restriction in the program and funding, must be a USCitizen

Preferred Qualifications

• C-UAS experience
• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense
• FAA Part 107
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor or Ground Instructor
• Proficient RC flying skills
• Experience working with aviation safety

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

63,708 - 79,635; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

Jun 12, 2026

Additional Information

• Due to restriction in the program and funding, must be a U.S.citizen.
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminalconviction check.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, orapplicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (includingpregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, geneticinformation, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, orotherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquireabout, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensationof other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protectedby law.