Group 2 UAS Pilot (ISR) / Field Service Watchstander

About Imperative Systems

Imperative Systems is a privately-owned company established in 2017 to enable the National Security Community to achieve their critical missions effectively, efficiently, and securely. We provide expeditionary mission support, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic advisory services on a worldwide basis. We are adaptive and agile, built to meet the emerging needs of our specialized clientele. We strive to build a culture of excellence — a team of the best people, equipped with the best skills and technical support — to deliver results that exceed expectations, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Overview

Imperative Systems has an immediate requirement for experienced Group 2 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilots to fly Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of a priority client mission. This is a dual-hatted position: the successful candidate will serve primarily as a UAS pilot executing ISR collection sorties, and will also perform Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Field Service / Watchstander (FSW) duties — monitoring and defending airspace against UAS threats, conducting real-time coordination with internal and external agencies, and providing operational and technical support for the client's C-UAS program. The role is performed both domestically and abroad.

Primary Responsibilities — UAS Pilot (ISR)

•       Plan, brief, and fly ISR missions using Group 2 rotary- and fixed-wing UAS platforms in support of client collection requirements.

•       Execute full mission lifecycle: pre-flight inspection and checks, launch, in-flight operation, sensor tasking, recovery, and post-flight servicing.

•       Operate UAS sensor payloads (e.g., EO/IR) to collect, exploit, and report ISR products in accordance with the customer's tasking and dissemination requirements.

•       Conduct mission planning incorporating weather, terrain, airspace, threat, and emissions-control considerations; perform airspace deconfliction with ATC, range safety, and ground elements.

•       Maintain accurate flight logs, mission reports, and post-mission debriefs; contribute to lessons learned and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

•       Operate in accordance with FAA Part 107, applicable host-nation aviation rules, DoD/Service regulations, and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Secondary Responsibilities — C-UAS Field Service / Watchstander

•       Support C-UAS demonstrations, testing, evaluations, and training events.

•       Build, fly, manipulate, test, and repair a variety of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) in support of red-air and training requirements.

•       Monitor multiple C-UAS capabilities to ensure real-time airspace awareness in the assigned area of responsibility and report required UAS events in accordance with local SOPs.

•       Safely operate and articulate C-UAS mitigation options in accordance with local SOPs.

•       Conduct operational support, monitoring, and maintenance of C-UAS systems across a variety of locations and environmental conditions to meet client operational requirements.

•       Perform technical inspections, system checks, and fault diagnosis; identify the cause of failures, replace Least Replaceable Units (LRUs), and test and restore C-UAS to full functionality.

•       Conduct basic software maintenance of C-UAS (install/upgrade load sets, firmware, and software upgrades).

•       Conduct scheduled maintenance as directed by the C-UAS program office and complete assigned work orders.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

•       Demonstrated piloting experience with Group 2 UAS — rotary- and/or fixed-wing — with emphasis on ISR mission execution.

•       FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

•       Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or uncrewed system technologies; OR Associate's degree in uncrewed system technologies combined with an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

•       Academic UAS experience through an accredited UAS program.

•       Ability to define the various components of a UAS.

•       Ability to define the different groups of UAS (Group 1–3).

•       Ability to describe the operational characteristics of rotary- and fixed-wing UAS.

•       Experience flying Group 1–2 rotary- and fixed-wing UAS.

•       Valid U.S. passport, or the ability to obtain one.

•       Ability to obtain a Class 1 DOS medical clearance.

•       SECRET-level security clearance, or the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

•       Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills

•       Prior ISR mission experience (military, government, or commercial).

•       Hands-on experience with UAS sensor payloads (EO/IR, full-motion video, SIGINT, etc.) and associated downlink and exploitation workflows.

•       Experience operating in austere, expeditionary, or contested environments.

•       Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

•       Basic mechanical understanding; comfort working with hand and power tools.

•       Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) transmit and receive technologies.

•       Experience with UAS operation and capabilities, including command, control, and guidance systems.

•       High degree of tact and interpersonal communication skills — the position requires daily interaction with team members, clients, vendors, and end-users at numerous levels.

Clearance

Minimum clearance required to start: SECRET.

Benefits

Imperative Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Personnel are eligible for 401(k), health insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, paid leave, and performance-based bonuses.

We are looking for committed individuals ready to make an impact in a new and growing field.