UAS Training Specialist/ Operator

COLSA; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, at least eight years in related roles, UAS operator/trainer background, and the ability to travel up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS. U.S. citizenship and security clearances may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (progressive military experience can be used in lieu of degree).
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience.
• Willing and able to travel to client sites CONUS or OCONUS (less than 25%).
• Previous experience as a multi-rotor UAS Operator, or multi-rotor UAS Trainer required.
• Demonstrated and hands on experience with military-style writing and operational planning.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to complete a criminal background check and/or obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom and field-based training on commercial UAS platforms, ensuring users are proficient in system operation, safety, and mission execution.
• Develop, update, and maintain training curriculum, materials, and practical exercises to reflect current system configurations and operational requirements.
• Perform system calibrations, programming and flight test of aircraft prior to customer delivery.
• Assist Field Engineering team as necessary and understanding of the following: Install, configure, and integrate replacement parts, sensors, and payloads on UAS platforms, validating performance through system testing
• Perform upgrades, complex troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance on airframes, avionics, propulsion systems, and payloads.
• Conduct customer demonstrations and hands‑on instruction, tailoring delivery to varying skill levels and mission needs.
• Evaluate trainee performance and provide feedback to ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
• Lead and support mission planning activities during training events, including system setup, execution, and post‑mission review.
• Provide on-site technical guidance during training to reinforce proper system use, troubleshooting techniques, and maintenance practices.
• Perform system demonstrations, testing, and validation activities in support of training objectives.
• Maintain accurate training records, documentation, and reports, including attendance, performance metrics, and course feedback.
• Support installation, configuration, and integration of UAS components used during training events.
• May deploy to customer locations to deliver training.

Skills

Training delivery

UAS operations

Mission planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Tracking Code
9858-987
Posted Date
11/3/2026
Job Location
Madison, Alabama
Location of Position
Madison, Alabama
Work Arrangement
On Site: 100%
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular
Clearance Required?
No

• None

As COLSA continues to expand our uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) capabilities, we are seeking a UAS Training Specialist/Operator to join our team at our Madison, Alabama facility. This position will serve as the subject matter expert into the development and delivery of training materials for UAS platforms. In addition to training expertise the ideal candidate will have technical hands‑on knowledge as a UAS Operator to best assist trainees in real world scenarios.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Deliver classroom and field‑based training on commercial UAS platforms, ensuring users are proficient in system operation, safety, and mission execution.
• Develop, update, and maintain training curriculum, materials, and practical exercises to reflect current system configurations and operational requirements.
• Perform system calibrations, programming and flight test of aircraft prior to customer delivery.
• Assist Field Engineering team as necessary and understanding of the following:
• Install, configure, and integrate replacement parts, sensors, and payloads on UAS platforms, validating performance through system testing
• Perform upgrades, complex troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance on airframes, avionics, propulsion systems, and payloads.
• Conduct customer demonstrations and hands‑on instruction, tailoring delivery to varying skill levels and mission needs.
• Evaluate trainee performance and provide feedback to ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
• Lead and support mission planning activities during training events, including system setup, execution, and post‑mission review.
• Provide on‑site technical guidance during training to reinforce proper system use, troubleshooting techniques, and maintenance practices.
• Perform system demonstrations, testing, and validation activities in support of training objectives.
• Maintain accurate training records, documentation, and reports, including attendance, performance metrics, and course feedback.
• Support installation, configuration, and integration of UAS components used during training events.
• May deploy to customer locations to deliver training.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee‑centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (progressive military experience can be used in lieu of degree)
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience
• Working knowledge of desktop applications including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Willing and able to travel to client sites CONUS or OCONUS (less than 25%)
• Previous experience as a multi‑rotor UAS Operator, or multi‑rotor UAS Trainer required
• Demonstrated and hands on experience with military‑style writing and operational planning. Includes step‑by‑step learning, mission briefs, Senior Leader briefings, After Action Reviews, and Executive Summaries.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to complete a criminal background check and/or obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years cumulative or more, operational or training experience serving in the United States Military
• Graduate of Military Leaders Course
• Part 107b, Remote Pilot experience

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Salary Type
Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.