UAS Specialist

APS • Surprise, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Specialist provides operational oversight, planning, monitoring, and reporting for the UAS Program and serves as the organization's primary UAS pilot. The role develops execution plans for UAS projects; plans and conducts missions; files flight plans and requests airspace authorizations with the FAA; and coordinates flights to obtain airspace clearance and ensure regulatory compliance. The specialist maintains flight proficiency, aircraft readiness, operational safety, and compliance with applicable FAA regulations, and communicates program status, flight activities, operational results, and recommendations to management.

The specialist is responsible for flight planning and execution, aircraft inspections, post-flight activities, and mission documentation. The role also maintains UAS aircraft, equipment, software, and associated systems; coordinates maintenance, troubleshooting, inspections, software updates, and repairs; and provides operational guidance, training, and mentorship to other UAS pilots and personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Information Systems, or a related field, plus five years of project/program management experience; or an equivalent combination of college coursework and experience totaling nine years.
• Experience managing a UAS Program.
• Hold and maintain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification with more than 200 hours of flight time.

Nice To Haves

• Hold and maintain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification with more than 500 hours of flight time.
• Experience in BVLOS operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's primary UAS pilot and plan, coordinate, and personally execute flight missions in support of projects and operational requirements.
• Complete pre-flight planning, aircraft inspections, flight execution, post-flight activities, and mission documentation.
• Ensure flights comply with FAA regulations, approved operating procedures, and organizational safety standards.
• Provide leadership with timely status updates and detailed reports on flights, FAA coordination, and compliance.
• Maintain readiness of UAS aircraft, equipment, software, and associated systems.
• Maintain FAA Part 107 certification, flight-hour currency, and proficiency across applicable UAS platforms.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment inspections, software updates, and repairs.
• Provide technical and operational guidance, hands-on support, training, and mentorship to UAS pilots and personnel.
• Establish flight procedures, operational standards, safety practices, and documentation requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level