Group 1-3 UAS Air Vehicle Pilot/Operator

KBR•St Inigoes, MD

11d•$105,000 - $157,000•Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Group 1-3 UAS Air Vehicle Pilot/Operator to support Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX-24) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Webster Outlying Field, Maryland. The selected candidate will initially support the Counter UAS (CUAS) and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology (UART) teams, conducting UAS operations for developmental testing, technology demonstrations, and other research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities. The role operates a variety of UAS platforms and configurations supporting CUAS, autonomy, technology development, and emerging test requirements. Duties may include internal and external UAS operation, ground control station operations, launch and recovery, mission preparation, instruction, aircraft integration and modification, and ground testing or maintenance support. This is a hands-on role on an integrated developmental test team working with Project Officers, engineers, operators, technicians, range personnel, and Government customers. As the organization’s robotic and autonomous systems mission expands, the position may transition to a broader portfolio of RAS developmental test activities. The primary work location is the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland area, including Webster Outlying Field. The position is primarily on-site supporting Government test activities, and travel may be required for test events and program activities. The salary range is $105,000-$157,000; the offered rate depends on factors including location, qualifications, experience, contract affordability, and internal parity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 500 hours of relevant UAS flight experience, including substantial experience operating Group 2 and/or Group 3 UAS.
Demonstrated experience operating UAS in complex military, test, training, or operational environments.
Experience with UAS ground-control stations, autopilot systems, mission-planning systems, data links, payload integration, and/or aircraft modification.
Demonstrated knowledge of UAS flight operations, aviation safety, risk management, airspace procedures, and crew coordination.
Ability to support hands-on integration, ground testing, launch and recovery, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities associated with assigned UAS.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or higher in UAS operations, aviation, engineering, electronics, or another relevant technical field.
Two or more years of experience supporting RDT&E or developmental flight test activities.
Previous designation as a military UAS Air Vehicle Pilot/Operator, Instructor Operator, Standardization Operator, or comparable military UAS qualification.
FAA pilot certification or another relevant civilian UAS or aviation qualification.
Experience operating multiple Group 1-3 UAS platforms rather than experience limited to a single aircraft.
Experience with Pixhawk or comparable autopilot architectures, ground-control stations, open-architecture UAS, system integration, modification, or experimental aircraft configurations.
CUAS, threat-replication, autonomy, robotics, or advanced technology-development experience.
Experience serving as a UAS instructor and conducting operator qualification or continuation training.
Experience operating from Webster Outlying Field or within the NAS Patuxent River/Webster Field airspace and range environment.
Formal education or training in developmental test and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Operate Group 1-3 UAS for developmental test, CUAS, autonomy, technology-development, and other RDT&E activities.
Perform internal and/or external UAS flight operations, ground-control-station duties, mission preparation, launch and recovery, and related ground operations as qualified and assigned.
Support mission planning, preflight preparation, risk-management activities, airspace coordination, test execution, post-flight debriefs, and collection of test observations and results.
Serve as an instructor for UAS operators and other aircrew when appropriately qualified, supporting initial qualification, continuation training, and platform transition.
Support integration, modification, configuration, troubleshooting, ground testing, and minor maintenance of assigned UAS and associated equipment, consistent with qualifications and assigned responsibilities.
Work with Project Officers, engineers, test conductors, technicians, range personnel, and other test-team members to accomplish test objectives safely and effectively.

Benefits

401K plan with company match
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
AD&D
Flexible spending account
Disability benefits
Paid time off
Flexible work schedule
Professional training and development
Potential additional compensation, including sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance