UAS SYSTEM ENGINEER/ INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA is seeking an UAS Systems Engineer/Instructor to join the Flight Operations department. The role blends systems engineering with instructional duties to deliver classroom, simulator, and live-flight training while supporting integration, testing, and ongoing improvement.

Responsibilities include delivering instruction to operators and maintainers, managing system requirements, and assisting with verification, validation, and mission planning.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to travel up to 50% and obtain/maintain Secret Clearance.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is preferred.

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.

Skills

UAS experience

Systems engineering

Technical training delivery

Travel up to 50%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering / related field

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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).

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.