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

ABSI Aerospace & Defense•California, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)
Demonstrated familiarity with: Ground Control Stations (GCS)
Demonstrated familiarity with: 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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