UAS Operations and Airworthiness Product Developer

The UAS Operations and Airworthiness Product Developer provides domain expertise in unmanned aerial systems to NAWC AIRWorks portfolios, supporting Non-POR UAS initiatives and coordinating airworthiness data reviews to enable flight clearances.

Responsibilities

• Deliver UAS subject matter expertise to NAWC AIRWorks portfolios, with an emphasis on supporting Non-POR UAS projects.
• Manage and coordinate engineering data reviews to secure NAVAIR airworthiness approval for UAS, ensuring relevant engineering functions review air and ground systems before flight clearances are issued.
• Support the AIRWorks Director and AIRWorks Deputy Director.
• Assist the AIRWorks Chief Systems Engineer and Lead Test Engineer in program activities.
• Assist the AIRWorks Non-POR UAS Integrated Product Team Lead as needed.
• Coordinate detailed task assignments with AIRWorks leadership while maintaining the ability to plan and execute project requirements independently.

Requirements

• Security Clearance: Secret Clearance.
• JOURNEYMAN: A Journeyman level professional with 3 to 10 years of relevant experience and a BA/BS degree.

Technologies

• Microsoft products

Tasks Performed

• Directly support the AIRWorks Class Desk Systems Engineer by collecting and analyzing UAS technical and operational data for Naval Air Systems Command airworthiness documentation.
• Provide UAS operational and technical expertise for Group 1 through 5 UAS projects for USN and external customer operations.
• Lead or participate in AIRWorks external customer engagement briefings, Flight Clearance planning meetings, and technical interchange meetings.
• Support the development of airspace access requests such as FAA COAs and waivers.
• Assist with Lithium Battery Safety Certification by collecting and interpreting technical data on lithium batteries in UAS.
• Provide technical and operational assessments of air reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and acquisition missions.
• Evaluate mission planning documents, UAS operator manuals, flight checklists, and other standard UAS operational materials.

Education and Experience

• JOURNEYMAN: A Journeyman level professional in this field typically has 3 to 10 years of relevant experience and holds a BA/BS degree.

Allowable Education and Experience Substitutions

• Six additional years of relevant work experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.
• An Associate’s degree plus four additional years of relevant work experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Desired Experience

• Current certified Product Developer is strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with APME/AMPSE (Class Desk), NAVAIR engineers, and Fleet users.
• Experience as a Maritime UAS Operator; Basic UAS Qualification Level 2 or knowledge of FAA Part 107.
• Knowledge of NATOPS processes and familiarity with CNAF Manual 3710.9 and Maritime UAS Operations.
• Understanding of public aircraft operations, the NAVAIR/NAVSEA systems engineering processes, and DCMA Instruction 8210.1D.
• Proven ability to work well in a team environment with leadership, decision-making, and self-motivation.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft products and editorial software across local, networked, or web-based platforms.
• Familiarity with NAVAIR/NAVSEA systems engineering processes.
• Effective communication skills within team settings.

Location

On-site in Lexington Park, MD. Telework may be offered.

Estimated Travel

Less than 10%.