UAS Pilot and Safety Coordinator

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 63,708 - 79,635; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a UAS Pilot to support research in autonomous systems. The ideal candidate should have experience with piloting uncrewed aircraft and be able to manage UAS field operations independently. Responsibilities include supporting diverse tasks related to UAS research and ensuring safety in operations.

Successful candidates will possess good communication skills and the ability to lift equipment up to 25 pounds, along with a safe driving record. U.S. citizenship is mandatory for this role.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and have a safe driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors under various environmental conditions for up to 10 hours.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Support UAS research and testing as a supporting pilot.
• Independently manage UAS field operations.
• Interact with Test Site users and partners.

Skills

Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft

Good communication skills

C-UAS experience

FAA Part 107

Proficient RC flying skills

Job description

Job Description

Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is seeking qualified applicants with experience in flight operations disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a supporting pilot of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for Counter-UAS research and testing. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS research, with preference given to candidates who have both uncrewed aircraft pilot experience as well as experience operating counter UAS systems.

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

The UAS Pilot Coordinator must be a self-motivated team player who can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasking from the flight operations and engineering team leads and will report to the MAAP Chief of Flight Operations. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound decision–making and problem-solving skills while interacting with internal and external Test Site users and partners. The incumbent should be able to independently and effectively manage UAS field operations in diverse field environments.

This position will be expected to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain. This position also involves fine manipulation of UAS equipment and parts.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft
• Good communication skills
• Applicants must be able to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

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 criminal conviction check.