The posting
The CUSTOMER requires enhanced situational awareness and rapid response capabilities during protection events nationwide and withing the National Capital Region. The program provides Enhanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (E-UAS) for persistent aerial ISR overwatch and rapid-response drone capability, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) for detection, tracking, and mitigation of unauthorized drone activity. Contractor personnel operate and sustain government-furnished E-UAS/C-UAS systems from CUSTOMER facilities and at protective sites, integrating operations with CUSTOMER command-and-control systems (including VIDTERRA and TAK).
Primary Responsibilities
- Deploy, operate, and recover government-furnished UAS ISR platforms for continuous aerial surveillance of designated protection zones.
- Operate mobile rapid-response UAS platforms equipped with high-resolution EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, and communications-relay payloads; maintain readiness for immediate launch (within 3 minutes of CUSTOMER request).
- Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to CUSTOMER operations centers and designated stakeholders.
- Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 and CUSTOMER directives.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time, work in adverse weather, climb ladders, work on rooftops, and lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
- Support integration of UAS data feeds with CUSTOMER command-and-control infrastructure, including live video distribution via VIDTERRA and TAK.
- Conduct interoperability testing with CUSTOMER IT staff prior to each event to validate connectivity, video distribution, and system integration.
- Participate in protective advance planning meetings, pre-event briefings, and post-event debriefings with CUSTOMER stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs; keep FAA Part 107 and platform-specific certification/training records available for CUSTOMER inspection.
- Complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course, EUAS Policy course, and platform-specific certifications as required.
- Adhere to all CUSTOMER security protocols, information-handling requirements, and federal cybersecurity standards.
- When not deployed on active missions, work from the National Capital Region (NCR) facility to service, maintain, and store equipment and complete required CUSTOMER training.
- Support variable schedules and nationwide travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.
Basic Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- High School Graduate
- Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Ability to complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course and EUAS Policy course (offered on a rolling basis; training period not to exceed one month).
- Experience operating UAS ISR and/or rapid-response platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, federal, or private-sector/commercial mission environments. Candidates with current, substantial private-industry UAS operating experience are encouraged to apply; prior federal or law-enforcement experience is not required.
- Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
- Experience operating UAS sensors/payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications-relay systems.
- Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and UAS operating limitations.
- Ability to travel nationwide and internationally (approximately 80% travel) and support variable schedules, including 24/7 event coverage.
- Strong communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting CUSTOMER, federal protective services, law enforcement, military, or National Special Security Event (NSSE) operations.
- Experience with VIDTERRA, TAK, secure video distribution, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
- Experience with larger ISR UAS platforms, mobile rapid-response platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
- Platform-specific or manufacturer certifications, or military UAS operator training.
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Original Posting:
October 9, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
