UAS/Drone Technology Instructor

Newbold•Clemson, SC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The UAS/Drone Technology Instructor delivers classroom, laboratory, and flight-line instruction within an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. The instructor teaches course content aligned with FAA Part 107 knowledge areas, supervises hands-on drone operations training, evaluates student performance, and contributes to ongoing curriculum development. The role includes teaching lectures, labs, and outdoor flight-training sessions; developing and assessing course materials; maintaining accurate academic records; advising students on academic progress, certification pathways, and UAS industry careers; and helping students prepare for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam. The instructor plans and supervises flight operations under applicable FAA regulations, airspace requirements, and program safety protocols, and serves as or coordinates with the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) of record for student operations. The position also involves managing UAS equipment and records, collaborating with program leadership and industry partners, and participating in advisory committee meetings, accreditation activities, and professional development. The position is based in Mauldin, South Carolina. Compensation is $60,000–$80,000 annually, based on experience. The schedule is Monday through Friday.

Requirements

Hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Have demonstrated experience operating unmanned aircraft systems in a professional, commercial, or educational setting.
Have teaching or instructional experience; K–12, college, corporate/industry training, and military instruction qualify.
Be willing to obtain an FAA Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate within six months of hire if not already held.
Have strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
Be able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions to conduct flight training.
Successfully complete a background check and any additional screening required by the college.

Nice To Haves

FAA Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate already held.
FAA Private Pilot Certificate or Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI).
Experience developing curriculum, course materials, or training programs.
Associate's degree or higher in aviation, education, engineering, or a related field.
Experience working with community college or secondary CTE program structures.
Familiarity with drone industry sectors such as public safety, agriculture, surveying/mapping, construction, or utility inspection.
Experience operating in or near controlled airspace, including LAANC authorizations or FAA airspace waivers.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned UAS/drone technology courses through lectures, laboratory sessions, and outdoor flight training.
Develop lesson plans, assignments, and assessments aligned with program learning outcomes and FAA Part 107 standards.
Grade student coursework, exams, and flight evaluations, and maintain accurate academic records.
Plan, supervise, and conduct hands-on drone flight training in accordance with FAA regulations and program safety protocols.
Maintain and enforce safety procedures for flight operations, equipment use, and laboratory activities.
Advise students on academic progress, certification pathways, and career opportunities in the UAS industry.
Collaborate with program leadership and industry partners to keep curriculum current with industry standards and emerging technology.
Maintain and manage UAS equipment, including inventory, maintenance scheduling, and airworthiness recordkeeping.
Support students preparing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam.
Serve as, or coordinate with, the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) of record for student flight operations in accordance with college and program policy.
Plan and conduct flight operations in compliance with applicable airspace requirements, including LAANC authorizations or airspace waivers when operations occur near controlled airspace.
Participate in program advisory committee meetings, accreditation activities, and college professional development.
Perform other instructional and administrative duties as assigned.