Location: Patuxent River, MD

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Clearance Type: Active Secret required, Top Secret desired

Work Schedule: Full Time, Exempt

Reports to: Vice President, CxISRT

Positions Supervised: No

Travel:
DESCRIPTION:

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is seeking a Journeyman to Senior-level Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Operator to support Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) RDT&E operations at NAS Patuxent River. The position will support cutting edge and emerging technology development and test at UX-24 based at NAS Patuxent River's Webster OLF in St Inigoes, MD.

The selected candidate will serve as an Air Vehicle Operator/Pilot (AVO/AVP) supporting Category A/B flight test events for Group 1-3 UAS. This role operates within a structured flight test environment and contributes to test planning, execution, data collection, and reporting in accordance with NAVAIR, NATOPS, and DCMA flight operations guidance.

This is not a commercial drone operator role-it requires disciplined execution in a developmental test environment supporting Navy aviation programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The S-UAS Operator will:

Flight Operations & Test Execution

• Operate Group 1-3 UAS in support of RDT&E flight test missions
• Perform internal or external AVO duties and ground launch/recovery operations
• Execute missions in accordance with approved flight procedures and safety requirements
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations consistent with test objectives

Test Planning & Integration

• Support test planning activities, including development of procedures and test cards
• Participate in mission briefs, test readiness reviews, and safety reviews
• Coordinate with Flight Test Engineers (FTEs), project teams, and operations personnel

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect and annotate test data during flight operations
• Support post-flight debriefs and quick-look analysis
• Draft test reports, deficiency reports, and technical inputs
• Assist in identifying system performance issues and recommending corrective actions

System Integration & Maintenance Support

• Configure, modify, and integrate SUAS platforms for test events (airframe, payloads, avionics)
• Perform troubleshooting, repair, and system maintenance
• Support autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk), GCS integration, and payload operations

Logistics & Detachment Support

• Prepare systems for transport, deployment, and field operations
• Support CONUS/OCONUS detachments, including setup, execution, and teardown
• Assist with packing, shipping, and inventory management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 500+ hours Group 1-3 UAS flight experience (documented)
• 3+ years of RDT&E experience (developmental or operational test)
• Demonstrated experience operating UAS in structured or mission-driven environments
• Demonstrated familiarity with:
  • Autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar)
  • Ground Control Stations (GCS)
  • UAS integration and modification
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a disciplined flight test environment
• Active Secret clearance
• Ability and willingness to travel CONUS/OCONUS (~25%)
• Active FAA Class 2 Medical certificate

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Prior Military experience with SUAS with military training for UAV operations
• Familiarity with NAVAIR / NTWL / RDT&E processes, test documentation and reporting
• Experience supporting flight test teams or T&E environments
• Relevant flight time in larger, semi-automatic, Group 2 or 3 air vehicles
• Payload integration (ISR, sensors, etc.)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based collaborative resources such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams