Aerial Target OperatorLocation: VariousUS Citizenship Required for this Position: YesClearance Type: Secret (Preferred)Work Schedule: Part Time, On-Demand (Non-Exempt)Reports to: Field Operations ManagerPositions Supervised: NoneTravel: Frequent Multi Day Travel Required to locations such as test ranges, government facilities, or remote locationsABSI 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 eventsMaintain proficiency through required training, qualification, and currency eventsSupport mission planning and preparation activities, including equipment staging and system checksConduct equipment setup, launch, and recovery operations in accordance with company standardsTroubleshoot technical and operational issues during field operationsOperate effectively in dynamic environments, including remote or austere locationsAdhere to all ABSI safety policies, FAA regulations, and applicable DoW requirementsSupport team-based operations through clear communication and coordinationRepresent ABSI professionally during customer interactions and operational events, as requiredDocument flight activity, system usage, and mission data in accordance with company proceduresSupport training and knowledge transfer activities, as appropriate to experience levelCommunicate availability for mission support on an ongoing basisPerform additional duties as assigned in support of mission executionRequired Qualifications:Junior Level:0–2 years of unmanned systems experience (academic, simulation, or early professional experience acceptable)Experience operating multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAS preferredActive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required prior to start)Demonstrated foundational knowledge of airspace, safety, and flight operationsStrong aptitude for technical learningJourneyman Level:2–5 years of operational UAS experienceExperience operating both multi-rotor and fixed-wing systemsActive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current recurrencyExperience with mission planning tools and controlled airspace operationsFamiliarity with autonomous or semi-autonomous systemsSenior Level:5+ years of progressively complex unmanned systems operationsExperience supporting DoD or government operational environments preferredExperience with airspace coordination, COAs, waivers, or similar processesActive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with consistent recurrencyExperience across multiple UAS platforms and mission profilesAbility to operate in dynamic, high-tempo environmentsAll Levels:U.S. CitizenshipAbility to obtain and maintain a Secret clearanceEligible for a Class II FAA medicalWillingness to accept mission assignments consistent with personal availabilityAbility to travelComfortable operating in field environments under variable dynamic and high-tempo situations conditionsDemonstrated commitment to professionalism, adaptability, and reliabilityAbility to operate effectively in team-based, field environmentsWillingness to maintain proficiency and readiness through scheduled company-provided training.Desired Qualifications:Military aviation or UAS experienceDoD or government test/training support experienceBVLOS or complex mission operationsFamiliarity with counter-UAS environmentsExperience with mission planning tools (e.g., QGroundControl, Mission Planner, LAANC)Familiarity with ground control systems and communicationsUAS troubleshooting experienceExperience in austere or remote environmentsMulti-day field deploymentsNight or low-visibility operationsExperience assembling or maintaining UAS platformsFamiliarity with propulsion systems or field repairsHands-on technical skillsetStrong communication skillsTeam-oriented mindsetAbility to adapt to changing mission requirementsABSI 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.