Drone Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge Management, Inc. (KMI) has the leadership and experience to deliver innovative technology, logistics and management solutions to meet real mission requirements. KMI is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) that specializes in Logistics, Warehouse Services, Distance Learning/Training, Enterprise Solutions, Financial Management Support, Program Management, Intelligence Analysis & Threat Assessment, and Data Analytics/Operations Research. Since 1998, our solutions and services have helped our clients improve performance, drive cost and operational effectives, and map technology needs for tomorrow's requirements.
Job Requisition: E-UAS Pilot/Technician
Location: Washington, DC, and Maryland
Work Arrangement: Onsite / event-based; approximately 80% travel; potential 24/7 operational coverage
Salary Range: Please provide your salary requirement
Clearance: Top Secret
Certificate: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Start date: October 2026
Program Overview
The CUSTOMER requires enhanced situational awareness and rapid response capabilities during protection events nationwide. The program provides Enhanced-Unmanned Aerial Systems (E-UAS) for persistent aerial ISR overwatch and rapid-response drone capability, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) for detection, tracking, and mitigation of unauthorized drone activity. Contractor personnel operate and sustain government-furnished E-UAS/C-UAS systems from CUSTOMER facilities and at protective sites, integrating operations with CUSTOMER command-and-control systems (including VIDTERRA and TAK). The number and type of systems and the level of contractor support for each event are determined by CUSTOMER based on the size of the protective site, event duration, protectee itineraries, and advance timeframe.
Position Summary
The E-UAS Pilot/Technician deploys, operates, and recovers government-furnished UAS ISR and rapid-response platforms in support of CUSTOMER protection events, providing persistent aerial overwatch and real-time video, imagery, and sensor data to CUSTOMER operations centers. The Pilot maintains readiness for immediate launch, coordinates with CUSTOMER operational stakeholders, and ensures all flight activities comply with FAA Part 107, federal requirements, CUSTOMER directives, and safety standards. This is a full-time, event-based role requiring nationwide and international travel and the ability to support 24/7 operational coverage.
Key Responsibilities

• Deploy, operate, and recover government-furnished UAS ISR platforms for continuous aerial surveillance of designated protection zones.
• Operate mobile rapid-response UAS platforms equipped with high-resolution EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, and communications-relay payloads; maintain readiness for immediate launch (within 3 minutes of CUSTOMER request).
• Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to CUSTOMER operations centers and designated stakeholders.
• Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 and CUSTOMER directives.
• Must maintain current FAA Part 107 certification.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, work in adverse weather, climb ladders, work on rooftops, and lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Support integration of UAS data feeds with CUSTOMER command-and-control infrastructure, including live video distribution via VIDTERRA and TAK.
• Conduct interoperability testing with CUSTOMER IT staff prior to each event to validate connectivity, video distribution, and system integration.
• Participate in protective advance planning meetings, pre-event briefings, and post-event debriefings with CUSTOMER stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs; keep FAA Part 107 and platform-specific certification/training records available for CUSTOMER inspection.
• Complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course, EUAS Policy course, and platform-specific certifications as required.
• Adhere to all CUSTOMER security protocols, information-handling requirements, and federal cybersecurity standards.
• When not deployed on active missions, work from the National Capital Region (NCR) facility to service, maintain, and store equipment and complete required CUSTOMER training.
• Support variable schedules and nationwide travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Ability to complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course and E-UAS Policy course (offered on a rolling basis; training period not to exceed one month).
• Experience operating UAS ISR and/or rapid-response platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, federal, or private-sector/commercial mission environments. Candidates with current, substantial private-industry UAS operating experience are encouraged to apply; prior federal or law-enforcement experience is not required.
• Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
• Experience operating UAS sensors/payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications-relay systems.
• Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and UAS operating limitations.
• Ability to travel nationwide and internationally (approximately 80% travel) and support variable schedules, including 24/7 event coverage.
• Strong communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting CUSTOMER, federal protective services, law enforcement, military, or National Special Security Event (NSSE) operations.
• Experience with VIDTERRA, TAK, secure video distribution, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
• Experience with larger ISR UAS platforms, mobile rapid-response platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
• Platform-specific or manufacturer certifications, or military UAS operator training.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Performance Standards

• 100% coverage during all designated protection periods.
• Rapid-response launch within 3 minutes of CUSTOMER request.
• Successful integration and operation with CUSTOMER systems (VIDTERRA and TAK) for every event.
• Full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, federal law, CUSTOMER directives, and federal IT/cybersecurity standards.

Benefits: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefits programs:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
E-Verify Statement. Knowledge Management, Inc. participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, KMI is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision. Knowledge Management, Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Disability Statement. If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation or assistance at any point in the application or onboarding process, please email us at .