UAS Test Site Research Operator

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's MAAP UAS Test Site is seeking a Research Operator to support uncrewed aircraft flight operations, field studies, and related research tasks. The role requires self-motivation, teamwork, and the ability to manage field operations in diverse environments.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree in UAS or a related field, have piloting experience, and possess a valid Part 107 license. Occasional travel to outreach events and strict safety compliance are integral to the position.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems or closely related field.
• Significant experience piloting autonomous or uncrewed aircraft.
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required.
• Strong communication skills.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to lift 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate as PIC, VO, and ASO in field studies as dictated by experiments.
• Develop, manage, and comply with FAA COAs.
• Coordinate flight operations scheduling and logistics.
• Inspect and prepare UAS assets for deployment and outreach.
• Ensure safety, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Travel for local or outreach events and occasional after-hours work.

Skills

Experience piloting autonomous/uncreed

Good communication

Valid driver’s license

US citizen

Education

Master’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems or related field

Bachelor’s degree with significant experience

Job description

Job Description

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

The UAS Test Site Research Operator must be a self‑motivated team player that 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.

Additional duties that may be assigned to the incumbent (depending upon qualifications) include:

• Operates in various UAS crewmember roles including Pilot in Command (PIC), Visual Observer (VO), and Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) in the execution of field studies as dictated by the experiment.
• Develops, manages, and complies with FAA Certificates of Authorization (COA)
• Provides input to aeronautical research test planning
• Assists in MAAP Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes
• Facilitates crew certification and training support
• Assists in flight operations scheduling
• Conducts preventative maintenance and basic modifications to MAAP UAS assets
• Prepares for, performs, and supervises ground and flight operations in accordance with all applicable regulations, both independently and with others
• Inspects, sets up, and loads equipment for operational deployment and outreach events.
• Transports equipment to operation locations and outreach events. Operations and events may be local or require travel and include occasional evening and weekend work.
• Coordinates with flight operations departments of Test Site users and external partners
• Schedules flight and logistics planning for internal and external operations
• Conducts permission planning, evaluations, and briefings
• Reconciles post mission requirements, reports and logging
• Contributes to MAAP safety, technical, and operations documentation
• Provides input to initial and continued UAS airworthiness assessments
• Instructs Test Site users on UAS platforms and regulations
• Facilitates outreach events for Test Site partners; some events outside of normal work hours.
• Regular coordination with internal program managers, operations team, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Uncrewed (or Unmanned) Aircraft Systems, aviation, or closely related field. An exception may be made for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in the above field of study who have significant relevant experience.
• Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
• Good communication skills
• Ability to lift and move items (25 lbs or more), operate independently, work outside in the elements, and traverse uneven terrain with considerable walking, standing, stooping and bending for long‑periods of time
• Applicant must have a valid drivers license
• Due to restrictions from the funding agency, candidates must be a US Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense
• Experience with designing and building UAS
• Experience working with Ardupilot, Arducopter and/or PX4 software
• Proficient remote pilot and/or manual fixed wing RC flying skills
• Experience in public and civil UAS applications
• Experience in test planning, flight test, and/or conducting research

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

65,172 - 97,758

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 26, 2026, open until filled

Additional Information

Due to restrictions from the funding agency, candidates must be a U.S. citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, and disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

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