Chief Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

UAS Pilot and Safety Coordinator
Job no: 536512
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: ICTAS
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Other, Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is seeking qualified applicants with experience in flight operations disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a supporting pilot of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for Counter-UAS research and testing. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS research, with preference given to candidates who have both uncrewed aircraft pilot experience as well as experience operating counter UAS systems.
Applicants who qualify to participate in the DOD Skillbridge program are encouraged to apply.
The UAS Pilot Coordinator must be a self-motivated team player who can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks.
The position may receive tasking from the flight operations and engineering team leads and will report to the MAAP Chief of Flight Operations. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound decision-making and problem-solving skills while interacting with internal and external Test Site users and partners. The incumbent should be able to independently and effectively manage UAS field operations in diverse field environments. This position will be expected to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain. This position also involves fine manipulation of UAS equipment and parts.
Required Qualifications
• Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft
• Good communication skills
• Applicants must be able to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain.
• Due to restriction in the program and funding, must be a US Citizen
Preferred Qualifications
• C-UAS experience
• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense
• FAA Part 107
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor or Ground Instructor
• Proficient RC flying skills
• Experience working with aviation safety
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
63,708 - 79,635; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
Jun 12, 2026, open until filled
Additional Information
Due to restriction in the program and funding, must be a U.S. citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Poff at emcclusk@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: May 27, 2026
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App