Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Parra Consulting Group, Inc. is currently seeking a Senior UAS Pilot is a highly experienced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operator responsible for leading and executing complex UAS flight operations in support of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Research, Testing, Training, and Evaluation (RTT&E) events. This role involves piloting both fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS platforms in challenging land-based and maritime environments, supervising junior pilots, and ensuring compliance with government-provided flight patterns and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). The Senior UAS Pilot will serve as the lead operator at designated event locations, providing technical expertise, safety oversight, and detailed flight log documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

Flight Operations:

• Plan, execute, and lead UAS sorties (Red Team and Blue Team) as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW), including predetermined flight patterns and CONOPS for counter-UAS (C-UAS) and UAS performance research.
• Operate fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS platforms from remote, uncovered outdoor sites (e.g., Point Judith, RI) in conditions with winds exceeding 25 knots and limited facilities (e.g., power from 120-volt outlets 100 feet from launch/recovery sites).
• Launch and recover quadcopter UAS from an underway 154' USCG Patrol Boat operating 3-5 nautical miles offshore in conditions up to Sea State 5.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Provide on-site leadership and mentorship to UAS Pilots during concurrent land- and sea-based RTT&E events.
• Coordinate with USCG personnel and other team members to ensure mission success and adherence to safety protocols.

Technical Expertise:

• Troubleshoot and adapt UAS equipment and operations to challenging environmental conditions (e.g., high winds, sea states, limited power availability).
• Maintain and inspect UAS equipment to ensure operational readiness before and during events.

Documentation:

• Compile and submit detailed UAS flight logs for each sortie, documenting flight profiles, weather conditions, and mission outcomes as required by the SOW.

Compliance:

• Adhere to all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, Joint Travel Regulations (for travel-related tasks), and USCG-specific operational guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with the RFQs Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside requirements, if applicable to the employing firm.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of UAS piloting experience, with at least 3 years in environments similar to those described (land-based remote sites and maritime operations).
• Demonstrated prior experience (within the last 3 years) operating UAS in high-wind conditions (>25 knots) and from vessels of similar size to a 154' USCG Patrol Boat in Sea State 5 or equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience supervising UAS operations and teams during RTT&E or similar missions.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent) required.
• Additional UAS-specific certifications or training (e.g., manufacturer-specific qualifications for fixed-wing and quadcopter systems) preferred.
• Expertise in operating fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS platforms under adverse weather and operational conditions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to limited infrastructure (e.g., remote power sources).
• Excellent communication and coordination skills to interface with USCG personnel and junior pilots.
• Ability to work in rugged outdoor environments and onboard moving vessels for extended periods (up to 5 working days per event).

Work Environment:

• Work will occur in remote land-based locations (e.g., Point Judith, RI) and aboard a 154' USCG Patrol Boat, often in harsh weather conditions.
• Requires travel to event sites (approximately 3-4 events per year, 2-5 days each).

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