By Light Professional IT Services · 11 hours ago
Sr. UAS Systems Specialist
Virginia Beach, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expBy Light Professional IT Services LLC is a company that supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. The Sr. UAS Systems Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing complex UAS operations and training programs for government and defense clients, while also mentoring junior personnel and ensuring mission success and compliance.
GovernmentInformation ServicesInformation Technology
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of complex UAS/drone operations in full compliance with regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements
Design, develop, and deliver advanced UAS training curricula, live demonstrations, and workshops for government clients and internal teams, integrating best practices and latest technologies
Supervise, mentor, and provide technical oversight to junior pilots, trainers, and support personnel to ensure high standards of performance and operational excellence
Oversee and optimize the setup, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and logistical deployment of UAS equipment, ensuring mission readiness and equipment reliability
Manage detailed inventory control systems, operational checklists, and comprehensive training records for audit and government reporting purposes
Author, update, and validate instructional materials, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures; develop after-action reports for contract and client deliverables
Lead or participate in the operational testing, assessment, and validation of new UAS platforms, payloads, and technologies, providing technical recommendations for enhancements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Technology, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and direct experience)
Minimum 8 years' experience in UAS/drone operation, with progressive leadership responsibility (military, law enforcement, or commercial sectors)
FAA Part 107 certification or willingness to obtain
Proven track record of independently managing and leading UAS field teams in complex, high-stakes environments
Demonstrated expertise in UAS mission planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing and presenting technical content for government audiences
Documented ability and willingness to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice, to multiple domestic sites
Strong preference for candidates with prior military senior enlisted service, especially in UAS, aviation, or related technical roles
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
25%+ travel required
Potential travel to OCONUS locations for durations of 1 month or more
Preferred
Formal instructor certification in UAS operations or related disciplines
Experience developing and instructing comprehensive UAS curriculum for government, defense, or law enforcement organizations
Deep familiarity with government or military operational environments, including CONOPs, security, and procurement processes
Published expertise or contribution to industry standards, government research, or tactical development in unmanned systems
Company
By Light Professional IT Services
BY LIGHT Professional IT Services is a provider of IT, cloud, cyber and infrastructure solutions to the US Federal Government.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2017-05-31Acquired
Leadership Team
Bob Donahue
CEO By Light
Mike Bowser
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2026-01-07
2025-12-01
2025-10-09
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