UAS Pilot - Entry

Step into a role where your skills directly shape the future of aviation. As a UAS Pilot / Research Analyst Associate supporting the FAA’s Airport Research Division, you’ll help pioneer new ways unmanned aircraft systems can enhance airport safety and efficiency. In this hands‑on position, you’ll prepare and execute flights utilizing diverse UAS platforms, contributing to critical evaluations of counter‑UAS technologies and advanced UAS capabilities. You’ll also play a key role in exploring detection and mitigation techniques and developing real‑world airport. At GDIT, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team tackling meaningful challenges—and you’ll have the opportunity to grow your expertise and your career while making a real impact.

How a UAS Pilot / Research Analyst Associate Will Make an Impact

• Provides expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft.
• Develops flight test plans and procedures.
• Develops briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
• Plans and performs a wide range of in‑process and final testing of analog, digital, microwave, optical, and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
• Applies technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS.
• Collaborates with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including manufacturers, commercial vendors, industry trade associations, technical standards organizations, academic institutions, research and development centers, governmental agencies, and other regulators.
• Applies technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing risk beyond what is expected for comparable new and novel technologies.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Required Skills, Experience and Clearance:

• Must be Part 107 Certified
• Minimum of 20 hours or more of documented hours "not simulator" safely operating UAS platforms. Military hours may be applied to experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain FAA Suitability
• High School Diploma
• Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and UAS platforms as required for mission operations, typically up to 40 pounds, with flexibility for occasional heavier items using team assistance or proper equipment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using flight planning software

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in any field

Location:

• On‑site at the William J Hughes Technical Center at the Atlantic City Airport
• Must be able to travel 10-25%

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
● Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
● Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
● Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
● Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in science and research at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your curiosity for discovery and innovation.