UAS Operator (Group 1–3 | Field Operations)
Blackrock Strategy, Inc. | Huntsville, AL • Indianapolis Metro • Clarksville/Fort Campbell Area
Travel: Approximately 75% travel is expected in support of government test events, operational missions, field exercises, demonstrations, and deployment activities.
Clearance: Active Secret Security Clearance Required (Top Secret eligibility preferred)
About Blackrock Strategy
Blackrock Strategy, Inc. (BrS) provides engineering, operational, and technical services supporting the Department of War, Intelligence Community, and commercial customers. Our teams support test and evaluation, experimentation, systems integration, operational planning, and technology transition across a broad range of national security programs.
Position Overview
Blackrock Strategy is seeking an experienced UAS Operator to support operational testing, field operations, deployment activities, and evaluation of Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft systems across mission-focused environments.
Working alongside engineers, operators, and government stakeholders, this position supports operational test events, demonstrations, training activities, and field deployments involving emerging unmanned aircraft technologies.
The ideal candidate is adaptable, technically proficient, operationally minded, and comfortable operating in dynamic field environments where sound judgment, communication, and troubleshooting are critical to mission success.
Candidates with military or commercial UAS experience and the ability to rapidly learn new platforms, software, and mission requirements are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft systems supporting testing, training, and operational missions.
- Execute missions using Mission Planner, including waypoint management, diagnostics, telemetry monitoring, and mission execution.
- Configure and support ArduPilot-based systems, including calibration, operational setup, and system verification.
- Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections, checklists, and operational documentation.
- Troubleshoot aircraft systems, RF communications, payloads, ground control stations, and supporting equipment.
- Coordinate with engineers, Flight Team leadership, range personnel, and government stakeholders during testing activities.
- Support operational testing, deployment activities, demonstrations, and evaluation of emerging technologies.
- Assist with operational reporting, mission documentation, observations, and after-action reporting.
- Support field operations across multiple operational environments throughout the United States and, when required, overseas.
Required Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Active DoD Secret clearance or higher (TS eligible preferred)
- Minimum 2 years of operational UAS experience (military or commercial)
- Experience operating Group 1–3 UAS platforms
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and operational coordination skills
- Ability to operate effectively in dynamic field environments
- Willingness and ability to support travel requirements associated with operational testing, deployment support, and mission activities
- Ability to support field operations, testing events, and deployment activities
Preferred Qualifications
- Military UAS background (15W, 7314, or similar MOS/AFSC)
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Experience with ArduPilot ecosystems, Mission Planner, or similar flight control platforms
- Experience supporting DoD testing, R&D, or operational evaluations
- Experience with RF systems, EO/IR payloads, or restricted airspace operations
- Familiarity with ground control systems and mobile integration environments
- Experience supporting operational deployments or field-testing activities
Work Environment
- Field-based operational role supporting testing and deployment activities
- Frequent CONUS travel with periodic OCONUS support activities
- Operations conducted across field, range, test, and mission environments
- Regular coordination with engineers, operational teams, and government stakeholders
- Dynamic operational environment supporting testing, evaluation, and mission execution activities
- Travel requirements may vary based on operational activities and deployment schedules, with periods of increased travel support up to approximately 75% as mission needs evolve.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- 401(k) with company matching
- Employer-paid employee medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) option with employer contributions
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Referral bonus program
Equal Opportunity Employer
Blackrock Strategy, Inc. is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination. We recruit, hire, and advance qualified individuals based on merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We also take affirmative action to employ and advance veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Human Resources department at 256-429-3608.