Careers at Virginia Tech

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.

• 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

• 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

Restricted

Commensurate with experience, starting at $75,000

9/19/2024

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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