sUAS Program Training and Operations CoordinatorQuantico, VA
The small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)/Counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) sUAS Program Training and Operations Coordinator serves as the Marine Corps' technical advisor for sUAS, C-sUAS, and related Unmanned Systems (UxS) capabilities. Reporting to and receiving work direction from the Government Lead, this position provides enterprise-level leadership for policy development, range safety, training programs, operational integration, lifecycle management, and institutional standards governing the employment of unmanned systems. The role develops the foundational policies, procedures, and technical guidance that ensure the safe, effective, and compliant use of sUAS capabilities across Marine Corps ranges and operations in accordance with Department of War (DoW), United States Marine Corps (USMC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other applicable regulatory requirements, while providing direct program support and technical oversight to the Government.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProject Management & Strategy- Develop, write, and maintain the institutional sUAS, C-sUAS, and UxS Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for use across all Marine Corps installations.
- Assist in the development and refinement in critical range safety documents, including Limited Range Safety Releases (LRSR) and Safety of Use Memorandums (SOUM), for new and existing unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.
- Serve as the primary technical advisor to senior Range and Training Area Management (RTAM) and installation leadership on all sUAS/C-sUAS/UxS matters, providing expert recommendations on policy, equipment, training, and integration strategies.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive lifecycle and fielding plan for standardized sUAS equipment for Marine Corps Range Control organizations, including system recommendations, implementation strategies, and technology modernization.
- Provide expert recommendations on C-sUAS technologies (including electronic/RF/cyber types) to inform institutional-level range safety policy and equipment procurement decisions.
- Develop and formalize a standardized sUAS operator training program for Government approval and inclusion in the Range Operations Professional Development (ROPD) curricula to ensure compliance and proficiency with adult learning concepts.
- Develop a detailed plan to govern and provide sUAS flights across the Marine Corps for range surveys, data collection, Probabilistic Surface Danger Zone (PSDZ) tool support, and GIS data updates.
- Execute or oversee select sUAS flights to validate new procedures, test equipment, or collect critical data for policy development.
- Obtain all necessary flight clearances and coordinate with Range Control and G-6 to ensure deconfliction of aviation and frequencies for all operations.
- Serve as the lead technical expert on payload capabilities (e.g., LiDAR, thermal) and the processing of collected data for institutional use.
- Perform other related duties incidental to the work described.
EDUCATION- Bachelor's Degree (Required)
- Master's Degree (Preferred)
- FAA part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Skilled in operation of Group 1-2 sUAS)
EXPERIENCE- Extensive experience with sUAS operations and/or C-sUAS systems within a military or DoW contracting environment.
- Strong understanding of RF spectrum management and coordination processes.
- Experience with emerging C-sUAS technologies and modernization programs
- Experience advising senior leadership on technical and operational matters.
- Prior military experience in aviation, air defense, electronic warfare, or range operations (Preferred).
- Familiarity with installation-level coordination (G-3/G-6, Range Control, Airspace Management) (Preferred)
- Experience with GIS, LiDAR, and other point-cloud data processing. (Preferred)
CORE SKILLS/COMPETENCIESRequired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated experience in writing, staffing, and publishing institutional-level military policy, SOPs, or safety-of-use documentation.
- Expert knowledge of the Marine Corps range safety framework, including an in-depth understanding of Surface Danger Zones (SDZ), Weapon Danger Zones (WDZ), and risk assessment processes.
- Comprehensive understanding of DoW, service-specific, and FAA regulations governing sUAS, C-sUAS, and weaponized drone operations.
- Expert-level knowledge of military and commercial sUAS/C-sUAS platforms (Groups 1-2), payloads, associated weapon systems, and their operational characteristics.
- Proven ability to develop and manage lifecycle and fielding plans for new military equipment and technology modernization.
- Skill in applying analytical techniques to appraise programs, identify institutional capability gaps, and formulate policy-based solutions.
- Proficient in computer applications such as Windows and MS Office.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to author complex technical documents, develop and deliver training, and brief senior leaders effectively.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Required to sit or stand for extended periods of time and maintain focus.
- Qualification as an authorized company driver is required.
- All authorized company drivers must have a valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and a driving record that is acceptable to the company's auto insurance provider.
This position description outlines the general responsibilities and requirements for the stated position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. The company reserves the right to assign or reassign responsibilities to this position at any time.
