UAS Operations Lead

Young Community Developers • Irvine, CA

1d • $45 - $70

About The Position

The UAS Operations Lead oversees UAS operations across CONUS and OCONUS environments, ensuring operational integration of Ondas Sentinel capabilities in alignment with organizational goals, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. During OCONUS deployments, the lead manages a multidisciplinary team and deployed site, supporting mission delivery while maintaining safety, professionalism, and integrity. During CONUS rotations, the lead serves as a UAS Liaison Officer at the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) or other mission-critical locations, connecting UAS crews with joint, air, and ground components and supporting mission planning and execution. Rotations are typically 60–90 days OCONUS and 30–45 days CONUS, with cadence determined by contract requirements. The position requires travel up to 100%, including to overseas and austere locations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship and must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance. Compensation is $45–$70 per hour, with eligibility for an annual bonus. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare package, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with employer match and immediate vesting.

Requirements

• Previous support to U.S. Government or defense operations OCONUS.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in leadership roles involving operations, logistics, site management, ISR or RPA operations, or related air operations.
• Strong knowledge of CAOC processes, joint operations, ISR mission planning, and RPA employment.
• Ability to make sound decisions in dynamic or high-pressure conditions.
• Excellent communication skills for coordination among deployed units, headquarters, and CAOC elements.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to lead a diverse team and engage professionally and tactfully with customers and host-nation or military leadership.
• Working knowledge of UAS systems, payloads, endurance, communication constraints, and operational planning tools.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future employment visa sponsorship.
• Willingness to deploy OCONUS for typical 60–90 day rotations and CONUS for 30–45 day rotations.
• Ability to stoop, stand, climb, and occasionally lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel to U.S. and overseas flight operations locations, including austere deployment conditions and shared living spaces.

Nice To Haves

• Prior military experience as a senior non-commissioned officer, Chief Warrant Officer, or commissioned officer operating in the UAS field.
• Prior CAOC or liaison officer experience.
• Background in ISR collection management, targeting, or real-time mission support.
• Technical familiarity with LEAP/ULTRA UAS or similar unmanned systems.
• Familiarity with military aviation maintenance regulations and management, FAA regulations, and ICAO regulations.
• Experience leading teams in diverse or austere environments.
• Cross-cultural competence and experience working effectively in diverse environments.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications in operations management, logistics, or project management; equivalent military or civil aviation operational or management experience may substitute for formal education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day oversight to enable safe, efficient, and successful UAS operations across CONUS and OCONUS environments.
• Advise commanders and supported units on employment of LEAP/ULTRA capabilities for ISR, targeting, overwatch, and mission planning.
• Coordinate mission tasking, airspace, and operational priorities among LEAP/ULTRA crews, supported elements, and CAOC stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations leads, Air Vehicle Operators, maintenance leads, Field Support Representative leads, Program Managers, and military and civilian Government representatives.
• Maintain real-time operational awareness and communicate mission updates, changes, and re-tasking.
• Lead deployed site operations, including personnel, logistics, equipment, facilities, safety, and compliance, to maintain mission readiness.
• Foster a professional and inclusive team environment that supports performance, morale, and effective contributions in challenging conditions.
• Represent the organization professionally with headquarters, local officials, mission partners, and external stakeholders.
• Participate in planning and provide mission feedback to improve tactics, coordination, and ISR integration.
• As a UAS Liaison Officer, support forward-deployed operations administratively and operationally while working with CAOC staff sections and key stakeholders.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits fully covered by DZYNE.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Eligible for an annual bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed