UAS Test Site Research Operator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,172 - 97,758; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a UAS Test Site Research Operator in Blacksburg, Virginia. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and significant experience in flight operations, including piloting uncrewed aircraft. Responsibilities include managing FAA COAs, operating in various UAS crew roles, and conducting maintenance.

The salary range is $65,172 to $97,758. Applicants must be U.S. citizens due to funding agency restrictions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, aviation, or related field; or Bachelor's with relevant experience.
• Experience in piloting uncrewed aircraft and FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• Ability to work outdoors in various environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate in various UAS crew roles including Pilot in Command and Aviation Safety Officer.
• Develop and manage FAA Certificates of Authorization.
• Conduct maintenance and modifications to UAS assets.

Skills

Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft

Good communication skills

Ability to lift and move items of 25 lbs or more

Education

Master’s degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems or aviation

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)

Tools

Ardupilot

PX4 software

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 systems (UAS). Successful applicants will support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS research, with preference given to candidates who have both uncrewed aircraft pilot experience and experience operating counter UAS systems.

The UAS Test Site Research Operator 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.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Operate in various UAS crewmember roles including Pilot in Command (PIC), Visual Observer (VO), and Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) during field studies.
• Develop, manage, and comply with FAA Certificates of Authorization (COA).
• Provide input to aeronautical research test planning.
• Assist in MAAP Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes.
• Facilitate crew certification and training support.
• Assist in flight operations scheduling.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and basic modifications to MAAP UAS assets.
• Prepare for, perform, and supervise ground and flight operations in accordance with all applicable regulations.
• Inspect, set up, and load equipment for operational deployment and outreach events.
• Transport equipment to operation locations and outreach events, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Coordinate with flight operations departments of Test Site users and external partners.
• Schedule flight and logistics planning for internal and external operations.
• Conduct permission planning, evaluations, and briefings.
• Reconcile post‑mission requirements, reports, and logging.
• Contribute to MAAP safety, technical, and operations documentation.
• Provide input to initial and continued UAS airworthiness assessments.
• Instruct Test Site users on UAS platforms and regulations.
• Facilitate outreach events for Test Site partners, some outside of normal work hours.
• Maintain regular coordination with internal program managers, operations staff, and external stakeholders.

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

• Lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle.
• Work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, and walk a minimum of 2 miles across uneven terrain.
• Fine‑manipulate UAS equipment and parts.

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 of 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.
• Valid driver’s license.
• U.S. citizenship (due to restrictions from the funding agency).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense.
• Experience with designing and building UAS.
• Experience 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 hours.

Review Date

June 26, 2026.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.