Parra Consulting Group, Inc. is currently seeking a UAS Pilot that is a skilled unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operator tasked with supporting U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Research, Testing, Training, and Evaluation (RTT&E) events under the direction of a Senior UAS Pilot. This role involves piloting fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS platforms in demanding land-based and maritime settings, following government-provided flight patterns and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). The UAS Pilot will assist in executing Red Team and Blue Team sorties and contribute to the collection of flight data for USCG research and development efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
Flight Operations:
· Execute UAS sorties (Red Team and Blue Team) as directed by the Senior UAS Pilot, adhering to predetermined flight patterns and CONOPS outlined in the SOW.
· Operate fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS from remote, uncovered outdoor sites (e.g., Point Judith, RI) with potential 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.
Support and Coordination:
· Assist the Senior UAS Pilot in preparing and maintaining UAS equipment for flight operations.
· Collaborate with team members and USCG personnel to ensure safe and effective mission execution.
Documentation:
· Provide input to flight logs, recording flight details, environmental conditions, and mission outcomes as directed by the Senior UAS Pilot.
Compliance:
· Follow all FAA regulations, Joint Travel Regulations (for travel-related tasks), and USCG operational guidelines.
· Support the Senior UAS Pilot in maintaining compliance with safety and procedural standards.
Qualifications:
· Minimum of 2-3 years of UAS piloting experience, preferably in environments similar to those described (land-based remote sites and maritime operations).
· Prior experience (within the last 3 years) operating UAS in challenging weather conditions (e.g., winds >25 knots) and/or from vessels preferred.
· FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent) required.
· Proficiency in operating fixed-wing and quadcopter UAS platforms.
· Ability to adapt to adverse conditions and limited infrastructure.
· Good communication skills to work effectively under the Senior UAS Pilot’s direction.
· Capable of working 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).