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Position Summary:
The MAAP Unmanned Aircraft Systems ( UAS ) Pilot will be responsible for safe, effective, and efficient piloting of UAS ; safety and operational management of field projects; acting as crewmember for operations utilizing UAS and conventional aircraft; and providing technical support for aeronautical research consistent with the objectives of the FAA Designated UAS Test Site at Virginia Tech.
The position may receive tasking from the flight operations and engineering team leads and will report to the MAAP Flight Operations Manager.
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.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Acting in various UAS crewmember roles including Pilot-in-Command ( PIC ), Visual Observer (VO), and Aviation Safety Officer ( ASO )
• FAA Certificate of Authorization ( COA ) development, management and compliance
• Provide input to aeronautical research test planning
• Participate in the MAAP Safety Risk Management ( SRM ) process
• Crew certification and training support
• Assist in flight operations scheduling
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic upgrades to MAAP UAS assets
• Perform and supervise ground and flight operations in accordance with all applicable regulations
• Interface with flight operations departments of Test Site users and external partners
• Perform flight and logistics planning for internal and external operations
• Conduct pre-mission planning, evaluation and briefings
• Complete post mission requirements, reports and logging
• Contribute to MAAP safety, technical, and operations documentation
• Provide expertise to contribute to initial and continued UAS airworthiness assessments

Required Qualifications:
• Master's Degree in an aviation related field. An exception can be made for a Bachelors Degree in a related field with significant training and experience
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate
• Significant experience in and knowledge of UAS operations in various environments
• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in written form

Preferred Qualifications:
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Current FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate
• Extensive aviation background and knowledge
• Proficient RC flying skills
• Experience in range safety and/or test range protocols
• Experience with complex manned and/or unmanned flight operations
• Experience in public and civil UAS applications
• Experience with COA development, application and management experience



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