JOB TITLE: UAS TECHNICIAN/OPERATOR I
DEPARTMENT: SUSTAINTMENT OPERATIONS
REPORTS TO: SUSTAINTMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER
CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT
CLEARANCE: SECRET
LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD
Job Summary:
The UAS Technician/Operator I supports day-to-day readiness and mission availability of Platform Aerospace UAS by assisting with ground operations, inspections, and basic sustainment tasks in accordance with approved procedures. This role is responsible for safe aircraft handling, executing pre-checks, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and maintaining accurate documentation. The UAS Technician/Operator I works closely with Maintenance, Flight Operations, Engineering, and Logistics to help ensure aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) are mission-ready and properly configured.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assist in performing UAS pre-flight, post-flight, and turn-around inspections in accordance with approved checklists, technical manuals, and standard operating procedures.
- Support system functional checkouts and help verify aircraft and ground control station readiness for operations.
- Assist in troubleshooting UAS and support equipment discrepancies under the guidance of senior technicians.
- Perform basic corrective actions within the limits of training and supervision.
- Assist in inspecting and maintaining Ground Support Equipment (GSE), including GCS, antennas, power supplies, tooling, and test equipment.
- Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams for discrepancies requiring additional review or repair.
- Support configuration control activities, including verification of part and serial numbers and documentation accuracy.
- Assist with final acceptance checkouts and operational readiness activities for UAS platforms.
- Participate in formal training and qualification programs; work toward task certification under supervision.
- Attend and complete required training courses, including vendor, customer, and company-sponsored technical training, as assigned.
- Travel as required to support training events, field operations, or customer support activities.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, company procedures, and safety requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED and 0–2 years of experience in UAS, aviation, or related technical field (or relevant training).
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate documentation.
- Willingness to learn and work in a cross-functional team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Basic communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active security clearance.
- Experience with Group 3+ UAS Platforms or equivalent aviation systems.
- Experience with UAS ground operations, aircraft servicing, or flight-line support.
- Familiarity with reading technical documentation (work instructions, drawings, maintenance manuals, checklists).
- Knowledge and experience with Piccolo flight controllers highly preferred.
- Software understanding; ability to use basic computer functions like command prompt.
- Experience testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
- Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling
- Perceiving differences in wire and indicator light colors
- Operating hand and power tools
- Lifting, carrying, and/or moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds
- Working in confined spaces and around aircraft
- Ascending and descending ladders or stairs as required
The hourly range for this position is $24.00 to $31.00. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.