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Virginia Tech

UAS Pilot

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, us, 24062


Job no:

530633Work type:

Research FacultySenior management:

Vice President for ResearchDepartment:

ICTASLocation:

Blacksburg, VirginiaCategories:

Research / Scientific

Job Description

Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is seeking qualified applicants with experience in flight operations disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a supporting pilot of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS for Counter-UAS research and testing). 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 Pilot 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. 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. Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidate must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

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

Good communication skills

Applicant must be able to lift items (25 lbs) and operate independently

Applicant must be able to drive.

US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

C-UAS experience

Experience working with or within the Department of Defense

FAA Part 107

FAA Certified Flight Instructor or Ground Instructor

Proficient RC flying skills

Experience working with aviation safety

Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Appointment Type : Restricted

Salary Information : Commensurate with experience, starting at $75,000

Review Date : 9/19/2024

Additional Information : The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

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.

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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Poff at emmclusk@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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