Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Specialist (4626) (TS/SCI) (Tampa, FL)

SMX is looking for a highly skilled and mission-driven UAS Specialist to support advanced unmanned systems operations across training and test environments. This role involves hands-on responsibility for the acquisition, modification, programming, and maintenance of multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms, including Group 3 and turbine aircraft. The ideal candidate will lead flight operations, conduct vulnerability and developmental assessments, and collaborate with intelligence agencies to enhance data sharing and threat analysis.

This is a full-time onsite position at MacDill AFB, FL.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Acquire, modify, fabricate, and maintain multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms (Group 3 and turbine systems)


• Launch, recover, and perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks on unmanned aircraft


• Travel on short notice to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including potential conflict zones


• Conduct vulnerability site assessments to support threat analysis and inform analyst teams


• Assist in evaluating developmental aircraft to guide R&D efforts for next-gen UAS technologies


• Collaborate with national and international intelligence agencies to establish data-sharing protocols and trend analysis


• Plan, coordinate, and serve as safety officer during flight operations for training and testing events


• Deliver technical red-team analysis to assess adversarial capabilities and vulnerabilities


• Independently execute all functional responsibilities in dynamic and austere environments


• Operate effectively within small, close-knit teams under high-pressure conditions


• Instruct military personnel across ranks in UAS operations and technology applications


• Support pre-deployment training, FTXs, VALEXs, and other technical exchange events


• Research and assess emerging RPV technologies and their implications for DoD capabilities


• Translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for military stakeholders


• Design and fabricate RPVs using limited instructions or custom-built kits


• Define and execute operational scenarios for testing and training involving UAS platforms


• Interpret customer requirements to guide proper use and development of UAS technologies


• Utilize MS Office and intelligence automation tools to support analysis and product development


• Maintain readiness to obtain FAA Part 107 and Amateur Radio Technician licenses


• Deploy to CENTCOM theater following successful CRC completion

Required Skills, Experience & Education

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility


• Experience instructing military personnel across ranks


• Proven expertise with COTS UAS platforms and RPVs (land, air, sea) 


• Ability to fabricate and operate aircraft from kits or limited instructions


• FAA Part 107 UAS Pilot License (or ability to obtain)


• CRC completion and CENTCOM deployment readiness Amateur Radio Technician License (or ability to obtain)


• Strong grasp of MDMP and DoD operational impacts


• Skilled in scenario planning, technical exchange, and intelligence automation


• Exceptional communication and independent problem-solving abilities

Additional Comments

This position requires frequent CONUS and OCONUS travel—potentially to conflict zones—and demands independent performance in small team settings. The candidate will also serve as a technical advisor, safety officer, and red-team analyst, contributing to the evolution of next-generation unmanned technologies.

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025

#CJPOST

#LI-onsite