Group 1-3 S-UAS Operator (AVO/AVP)

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:

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

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: ABSI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ABSI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ABSI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.