Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity This position owns the integration of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems into the supported unit's mission networks and command and control architecture. The work is stateside and technical: stand up the systems on the bench, make sensor and platform feeds land correctly in TAK and the unit common operating picture, validate the architecture against real mission profiles, then package it so the deployed element can employ it without a contractor standing next to them. The incumbent flies and builds when integration testing requires it, not as the primary function. Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions) Mission Network and C2 Integration * Integrate UAS and C-UAS systems into TAK based mission command environments to deliver live track data, sensor feeds, and shared mission data to the common operating picture.
* Configure, administer, and troubleshoot TAK server infrastructure, data packages, certificates, and client provisioning across the supported unit.
* Build and maintain the CoT and track data pathways from platform, radar, and RF sensor sources into the COP. Resolve message format, timing, and correlation faults.
* Design and configure the supporting tactical network: IP addressing, routing, VLANs, firewalls, server and router setup, and secure data link fault isolation.
* Establish and sustain full motion video distribution and telemetry pathways from platform to end user across line of sight, satellite, and cellular bearers. Manage transcoding, latency, and bandwidth constraints.
* Integrate C-UAS detect and defeat equipment into the same architecture so detection, identification, and defeat actions are visible to the unit in a single picture. System Configuration and Bench Integration * Stand up UAS and C-UAS systems on the bench, configure flight stacks and ground control software, and verify end to end function before anything reaches the unit.
* Configure and flash flight controllers and ground stations including ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, and vendor specific ground control software.
* Integrate payloads, radios, and datalinks onto airframes. Resolve control link, video link, and telemetry conflicts, including antenna selection, placement, and frequency planning.
* Perform component level electronics work as integration requires: soldering, harness fabrication, connector repair, and bench diagnostics.
* Design and produce brackets, mounts, and adapters using CAD and additive manufacturing to close integration gaps between COTS components. Integration Test, Validation, and Assessment * Write and execute integration test plans that exercise the architecture against realistic mission profiles, not bench ideal conditions.
* Fly platforms as pilot in command when test execution requires live sorties. Maintain currency and platform qualifications sufficient to do so safely.
* Support red team and blue team events by flying threat representative profiles against friendly C-UAS systems and documenting detection, identification, and defeat performance.
* Assess vendor advertised capability against observed performance in the integrated architecture. Report the delta to the program office in writing.
* Characterize behavior in degraded and contested conditions: link loss, GPS denial, bandwidth starvation, and spectrum interference. Document mitigations. Fielding and Sustainment * Package integrated configurations for fielding: baseline documentation, configuration files, data packages, spares lists, and load plans.
* Install and validate systems at the unit's home station and training sites. Confirm the architecture works on the unit's own network before deployment.
* Provide reachback technical support to the deployed element. Diagnose and resolve faults remotely where possible. Travel forward when it is not.
* Maintain configuration control across baselines. Track what version is where and what changed.
* Support property accountability for sensitive and high value equipment, including inventory, hand receipts, and shipping and export documentation. Training and Knowledge Transfer * Train unit personnel on employment, basic maintenance, network configuration, and emergency procedures for the integrated systems.
* Develop and maintain TTPs, SOPs, quick reference guides, and troubleshooting trees at operator level.
* Deliver practical instruction with performance based evaluation. Assess and document individual proficiency before fielding.
* Build the unit's internal capacity to sustain the architecture without contractor presence. Program and Customer Support * Capture emerging requirements from the unit and translate them into engineering, procurement, or technical refresh recommendations.
* Provide written technical reports, integration status, and capability assessments to the program office and the customer.
* Support technology scouting and bench evaluation of candidate platforms, sensors, and software against unit requirements.
* Conduct all activity in accordance with contract scope, ITAR and export control requirements, cybersecurity policy, and applicable airspace and safety regulations.