Quick Response Team - UAS Operator / Aerial Target Specialist

Aerial Target Operator

Location: Various

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Clearance Type: Secret (Preferred)

Work Schedule: Part Time, On-Demand (Non-Exempt)

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Positions Supervised: None

Travel: Frequent Multi Day Travel Required to locations such as test ranges, government facilities, or remote locations

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an innovative small business headquartered in the St. Mary's County Innovation District in Southern Maryland, near Naval Air Systems Command. At its core, ABSI is a technical solutions company committed to rapidly delivering emerging technologies that create asymmetric advantages for our customers.

ABSI is seeking experienced and aspiring UAS operators to join its Quick Reaction Team (QRT) as Aerial Target Operators. The QRT is a trained, on-call operational cadre responsible for executing aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events for Department of Defense and government customers. ABSI's aerial target systems are unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flown by skilled operators to deliver realistic airborne threat presentations making this, at its core, a UAS operator role in direct support of national defense.

Operators are expected to maintain mission readiness through recurring training and to support mission deployments consistent with their availability. Operators will find meaningful, mission-oriented work and the opportunity to contribute in a flexible, part-time capacity while maintaining other professional commitments. Critically, the QRT program is designed around operators' existing lives ABSI understands that qualified operators have demanding careers and personal obligations, and has structured this program accordingly.

Essential Functions:

• Execute aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events
• Maintain proficiency through required training, qualification, and currency events
• Support mission planning and preparation activities, including equipment staging and system checks
• Conduct equipment setup, launch, and recovery operations in accordance with company standards
• Troubleshoot technical and operational issues during field operations
• Operate effectively in dynamic environments, including remote or austere locations
• Adhere to all ABSI safety policies, FAA regulations, and applicable DoW requirements
• Support team-based operations through clear communication and coordination
• Represent ABSI professionally during customer interactions and operational events, as required
• Document flight activity, system usage, and mission data in accordance with company procedures
• Support training and knowledge transfer activities, as appropriate to experience level
• Communicate availability for mission support on an ongoing basis
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of mission execution

Required Qualifications:

Junior Level:

• 02 years of unmanned systems experience (academic, simulation, or early professional experience acceptable)
• Experience operating multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAS preferred
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required prior to start)
• Demonstrated foundational knowledge of airspace, safety, and flight operations
• Strong aptitude for technical learning

Journeyman Level:

• 25 years of operational UAS experience
• Experience operating both multi-rotor and fixed-wing systems
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current recurrency
• Experience with mission planning tools and controlled airspace operations
• Familiarity with autonomous or semi-autonomous systems

Senior Level:

• 5+ years of progressively complex unmanned systems operations
• Experience supporting DoD or government operational environments preferred
• Experience with airspace coordination, COAs, waivers, or similar processes
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with consistent recurrency
• Experience across multiple UAS platforms and mission profiles
• Ability to operate in dynamic, high-tempo environments

All Levels:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
• Eligible for a Class II FAA medical
• Willingness to accept mission assignments consistent with personal availability
• Ability to travel
• Comfortable operating in field environments under variable dynamic and high-tempo situations conditions
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, adaptability, and reliability
• Ability to operate effectively in team-based, field environments
• Willingness to maintain proficiency and readiness through scheduled company-provided training.

Desired Qualifications:

• Military aviation or UAS experience
• DoD or government test/training support experience
• BVLOS or complex mission operations
• Familiarity with counter-UAS environments
• Experience with mission planning tools (e.g., QGroundControl, Mission Planner, LAANC)
• Familiarity with ground control systems and communications
• UAS troubleshooting experience
• Experience in austere or remote environments
• Multi-day field deployments
• Night or low-visibility operations
• Experience assembling or maintaining UAS platforms
• Familiarity with propulsion systems or field repairs
• Hands-on technical skillset
• Strong communication skills
• Team-oriented mindset
• Ability to adapt to changing mission requirements

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: ABSI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ABSI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ABSI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.