Quick Response Team - UAS Operator / Aerial Target Specialist

ABSI Aerospace & Defense•California, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is seeking experienced and aspiring UAS operators to join its Quick Reaction Team (QRT) as Aerial Target Operators. The QRT is a trained, on-call operational cadre responsible for executing aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events for Department of Defense and government customers. ABSI’s aerial target systems are unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flown by skilled operators to deliver realistic airborne threat presentations — making this, at its core, a UAS operator role in direct support of national defense. Operators are expected to maintain mission readiness through recurring training and to support mission deployments consistent with their availability. Operators will find meaningful, mission-oriented work and the opportunity to contribute in a flexible, part-time capacity while maintaining other professional commitments. Critically, the QRT program is designed around operators’ existing lives — ABSI understands that qualified operators have demanding careers and personal obligations, and has structured this program accordingly.

Requirements

0–2 years of unmanned systems experience (academic, simulation, or early professional experience acceptable) - Junior Level
Experience operating multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAS preferred - Junior Level
Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required prior to start) - Junior Level
Demonstrated foundational knowledge of airspace, safety, and flight operations - Junior Level
Strong aptitude for technical learning - Junior Level
2–5 years of operational UAS experience - Journeyman Level
Experience operating both multi-rotor and fixed-wing systems - Journeyman Level
Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current recurrency - Journeyman Level
Experience with mission planning tools and controlled airspace operations - Journeyman Level
Familiarity with autonomous or semi-autonomous systems - Journeyman Level
5+ years of progressively complex unmanned systems operations - Senior Level
Experience supporting DoD or government operational environments preferred - Senior Level
Experience with airspace coordination, COAs, waivers, or similar processes - Senior Level
Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with consistent recurrency - Senior Level
Experience across multiple UAS platforms and mission profiles - Senior Level
Ability to operate in dynamic, high-tempo environments - Senior Level
U.S. Citizenship - All Levels
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance - All Levels
Eligible for a Class II FAA medical - All Levels
Willingness to accept mission assignments consistent with personal availability - All Levels
Ability to travel - All Levels
Comfortable operating in field environments under variable dynamic and high-tempo situations conditions - All Levels
Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, adaptability, and reliability - All Levels
Ability to operate effectively in team-based, field environments - All Levels
Willingness to maintain proficiency and readiness through scheduled company-provided training - All Levels

Nice To Haves

Military aviation or UAS experience
DoD or government test/training support experience
BVLOS or complex mission operations
Familiarity with counter-UAS environments
Experience with mission planning tools (e.g., QGroundControl, Mission Planner, LAANC)
Familiarity with ground control systems and communications
UAS troubleshooting experience
Experience in austere or remote environments
Multi-day field deployments
Night or low-visibility operations
Experience assembling or maintaining UAS platforms
Familiarity with propulsion systems or field repairs
Hands-on technical skillset
Strong communication skills
Team-oriented mindset
Ability to adapt to changing mission requirements

Responsibilities

Execute aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events
Maintain proficiency through required training, qualification, and currency events
Support mission planning and preparation activities, including equipment staging and system checks
Conduct equipment setup, launch, and recovery operations in accordance with company standards
Troubleshoot technical and operational issues during field operations
Operate effectively in dynamic environments, including remote or austere locations
Adhere to all ABSI safety policies, FAA regulations, and applicable DoW requirements
Support team-based operations through clear communication and coordination
Represent ABSI professionally during customer interactions and operational events, as required
Document flight activity, system usage, and mission data in accordance with company procedures
Support training and knowledge transfer activities, as appropriate to experience level
Communicate availability for mission support on an ongoing basis
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of mission execution