Pilot Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

The EUAS Pilot/Technician deploys, operates, and recovers government-furnished UAS ISR and rapid-response platforms in support of USSS protection events, providing persistent aerial overwatch and real-time video, imagery, and sensor data to USSS operations centers. The Pilot maintains readiness for immediate launch, coordinates with USSS operational stakeholders, and ensures all flight activities comply with FAA Part 107, federal requirements, USSS 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.

Work Location: Washington, DC with ability to travel nationwide in support of protection events; event-based onsite support required.

Work Arrangement: Onsite/event-based support with potential 24/7 operational coverage.

Clearance: U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain required federal suitability or security clearance as required for the assignment.

• 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 USSS request).
• Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to USSS 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 USSS 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 USSS command-and-control infrastructure, including live video distribution via VIDTERRA and TAK.
• Conduct interoperability testing with USSS 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 USSS 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 USSS inspection.
• Complete government-provided USSS Basic Operator Course, EUAS Policy course, and platform-specific certifications as required.
• Adhere to all USSS 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 USSS training.
• Support variable schedules and nationwide travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance (USSS will sponsor investigations for new personnel as needed).
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Ability to complete government-provided USSS Basic Operator Course and EUAS 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 USSS, 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 USSS request.
• Successful integration and operation with USSS systems (VIDTERRA and TAK) for every event.
• Full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, federal law, USSS directives, and federal IT/cybersecurity standards.

Salary:  $100,000 -$150,000

Additional benefits include: 

• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pre-Tax 401K and/or After-Tax Roth IRA (with employer matching contribution)
• Tuition and Technical Training Reimbursement
• Wellness Benefit
• Tech Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and standard office equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer workThe employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to general office conditions while conducting office duties
• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period

Working at Edgewater Federal Solutions:Edgewater Federal Solutions is a privately held government contracting firm located in Frederick, MD. The company was founded in 2002 with the vision of being highly recognized and admired for supporting customer missions through employee empowerment, exceptional services, and timely delivery. Edgewater Federal Solutions is ISO 9001, 20000-1, 270001 certified, appraised at CMMI Level 3 Maturity for Development and Services, and has been named in the Top Workplaces in the Greater Washington Area Small Companies since 2018.

EdgewaterFederal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and continues to be our policy to provide equal employment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status and/or other status protected by applicable law.