Job no: 502651
Department: Rotorcraft Systems Engineering Simulation Center
Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Research - Engineering

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D, preferably in science, engineering, or business, 6 - 8 years of full-time work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• Ability to develop and integrate software and systems in the accomplishment of Aviation and Aerospace requirements focused on training and operations
• Experience in UAS development, integration and operations
• UAS Pilot using Part 107, FAA Part 61, FAA Rotorcraft Pilot, DOD Certified Instructor
• Familiar with SCORM Compliant Learning and PADDIE+M
• Developed Training Programs for UAS Operations and Training of UAS Operations
• Experience Managing a Team Supporting UAS
• Familiar with Tactical Aviation deployment across multiple sectors
• U.S. Citizenship Required (No Dual Citizenship)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and experience in Aviation Meteorology, Aviation Safety, Special Operations (Ranger, SF, Sniper, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience in Aviation Comms, DOD UAS Pilot and Rotorcraft Pilot, and COMSEC Custodian Experience

The Scientist/Specialist in UAS training and operations shall perform research, training, logistics, and provides support for UAS development and integration of aviation systems and components.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform funded research, develop and deliver training curriculum tailored to a range of customer needs, including FAA Part 107 certification, mission-specific UAS operations, disaster response, test flight operations, and ground robotics.
• Continuously evaluate and revise materials to reflect emerging technologies and regulatory changes.
• Support leading UAS flight operations and personnel to ensure successful execution of test and operational missions.
• Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, airspace coordination, and ensure flight activities meet program, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct and support customer and internal technical interchange meetings, including TRUST meetings related to UAS range operations.
• Translate customer mission sets and operational capabilities into actionable training and operational support plans. Essential Edit Remove
• Lead technology research and training development efforts for UAS, CUAS, and robotic systems.
• Evaluate new platforms and tools, integrate them into training programs, and ensure operational staff readiness for emerging mission types and complex environments.
• Maintain training and proficiency records of all UAS operators assigned to the Center.
• Enforce standards for crew resource management (CRM), safety protocols, and platform-specific currency.
• Support UAS/CUAS technology demonstrations and range operations, including setup, execution, and post-event analysis.
• Serve as the operational liaison for test events involving manned, unmanned, and robotic platforms.
• Facilitate customer program development interchanges to identify gaps in capability and align flight operations and training objectives with user needs, regulatory frameworks, and center capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.