UAS SYSTEM ENGINEER/ INSTRUCTOR

Platform Aerospace; Virginia; On-site; USD 115,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA, is seeking a UAS Systems Engineer/Instructor to support operation, sustainment, development, and training of Vanilla UAS. The role merges systems engineering with instructional duties for classroom, simulator, and live-flight instruction.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in UAS, systems engineering, and training delivery, with travel up to 50% and the ability to obtain/maintain a SECRET clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management or related field.
• 5+ years of technical UAS experience.
• 5+ years in network/systems engineering.
• Experience with Group 3 UAS platforms.
• Experience in developing or delivering technical training programs.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes, requirements management, verification/validation, configuration management, flight operations, mission planning systems, and ground control stations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver classroom, simulator, and live-flight instruction to UAS operators, maintainers, and support personnel.
• Support UAS system integration, sustainment, and configuration management activities.
• Develop, manage, and trace system requirements; support verification and validation efforts.
• Plan, support, and execute developmental and operational testing; collect and analyze data.
• Troubleshoot system and GCS issues; perform engineering analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Support flight operations and mission planning; ensure safe, compliant operations per regulations.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and training effectiveness.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and leadership briefings.

Skills

Systems engineering

Aerospace engineering

Flight operations

Requirements management

Verification & validation

Configuration management

Training delivery

UAS experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related field

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

MATLAB

Python

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

UAS SYSTEM ENGINEER/ INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1359

Salary Range: $114,800.00 To $132,000.00 Annually

Job Title: UAS SYSTEM ENGINEER/ INSTRUCTOR
Department: FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Reports To: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRAINING OPERATIONS
Classification: FULL-TIME
Clearance: ABILITY TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A SECRET CLEARANCE
Location: BLACKSTONE, VA

Job Summary

The UAS Systems Engineer / Instructor supports the operation, sustainment, development, and training of Vanilla UAS. This role combines systems engineering expertise with instructor capabilities to deliver classroom, simulator, and live-flight instruction while supporting system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver classroom, simulator, and live-flight instruction to UAS operators, maintainers, and support personnel.
• Support Vanilla UAS system integration, sustainment, and configuration management activities.
• Develop, manage, and trace system requirements, and support verification and validation efforts.
• Plan, support, and execute developmental and operational testing, including data collection and analysis.
• Troubleshoot system and ground control station issues, perform engineering analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support flight operations and mission planning, ensuring safe and compliant operations in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance, training effectiveness, and mission readiness.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and briefings for leadership and customers.
• Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of technical experience with UAS.
• 5+ years of experience in network and/or systems engineering.
• Experience operating, maintaining, or supporting Group 3 UAS platforms.
• Experience developing or delivering technical training programs.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Systems engineering processes
  • Requirements management
  • Verification and validation
  • Configuration management
  • Flight operations
  • Mission planning systems
  • Ground control stations
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) UAS programs.
• Previous military instructor qualification, or instructor certification from a military, government, or industry training organization.
• Experience supporting developmental or operational testing.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience using Cameo Systems Modeler, DOORS, Jira, Confluence, MATLAB, and/or Python.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and/or Private Pilot License (PPL).

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.
• Perceiving differences in wire and indicator light colors.
• Operating hand and power tools.
• Lifting, carrying, and/or moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Working in confined spaces and around aircraft.
• Ascending and descending ladders or stairs as required.

Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate's qualifications and work location, where applicable.