Senior UAS Operator and Training Specialist

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Senior UAS Operations and Training Specialist to join our team! In this role you will get to Support the standardization and continuous improvement of UAS operational and training practices.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Conduct safe and effective Group 1-3 UAS flight operations in support of operational, training, and test activities.

• Support coordination for internal and external UAS training events, schedules, resource requirements, and instructor support to ensure operational readiness and qualification continuity.

• Serve as the lead instructor and subject matter expert for UAS operations and training activities.

• Support operator development and training progression plans.

• Support the standardization and continuous improvement of UAS operational and training practices.

• Conduct in-house instructor development and refresher training.

• Develop, maintain, and improve UAS training materials, flight procedures, qualification standards, compliance requirements, and instructional guides.

• Evaluate operator proficiency and provide mentorship, coaching, and remediation as required.

• Support the development and execution of internal and external operator certification and qualification programs.

• Execute mission planning, pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities for operational and training missions.

• Support domestic and international deployment operations, including travel to austere and high-threat environments up to 75% of the time.

• Conduct operational checks, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities for UAS equipment and payloads.

• Support test and evaluation activities involving emerging UAS technologies.

• Coordinate with government stakeholders, vendors, and operational personnel during mission execution and training events.

• Prepare mission summaries, situational reports, executive summaries, and briefing materials for leadership.

• Operate in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while maintaining safety, professionalism, and mission effectiveness.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience OR 8+ years of operational UAS and training experience

• Experience operating in tactical, public safety, law enforcement, military, or national security environments.

• FAA Part 107 certification.

• Demonstrated experience operating rotary and fixed-wing Group 1-3 UAS platforms.

• Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, and evaluating UAS platforms and operators.

• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising and leading instructors, trainers, or operational personnel.

• Experience developing or supporting instructional programs, flight training, or operator qualification programs.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including austere and high-threat environments, up to 75% of the time.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in dynamic operational environments.

• Experience briefing operational status, findings, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

• Active SECRET clearance.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Experience supporting overseas contingency or high-threat operations.

• Familiarity with RF communications, video transmission systems, and networking concepts.

• Experience with mission planning software.

• Experience troubleshooting UAS hardware and software systems.

• Experience developing standard operating procedures, tactics, techniques, and procedures, or training material.

• Formal UAS instructor qualification/certification from a recognized military, government, OEM, public safety, or industry training program.

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $134,100.00 - $241,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.