Mission Support Specialist

Position Overview:

The Mission Support Specialist at The AIRO Group is a frontline ambassador of our drone solutions, working closely with the Sales and Program Management teams to deliver product demonstrations, training, advisory services, and technical support to both potential and existing customers. The Mission Support Specialist plays a pivotal role throughout the entire customer journey - from early engagement with prospects, through the full sales process, and into the ongoing after-sales relationship.

As a superuser and subject-matter expert on our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the Mission Support Specialist ensures that customers and end-users primarily within defense are equipped to operate and utilize our systems to their fullest potential. This requires deep operational understanding of the environments in which our UAS are deployed, and the ability to translate technical capabilities into mission-relevant value.

The role demands credibility, trustworthiness, and strong communication skills across all levels of customer organizations - from UAS operators to senior commanders. Tasks are carried out both independently and in coordination with The AIRO Group agents and national business partners, often in international and operationally complex contexts.

Key Responsibilities:

a. Pre-sale, Strategic Business Development & Proposal Support:

• Leads and conducts Product Demonstrations for potential and existing customers in close collaboration with Sales Account Managers.
• Provides advisory support to potential customers related to deployment and usability of Group 1 and 2 UAS.
• Participates in national and international exhibitions, tradeshows, and operational demonstrations.
• Provides ad hoc strategic business development support by identifying opportunities to expand or scale existing programs based on mission success.
• Contributes subject-matter expertise to proposal development, translating tactical requirements and operational scenarios into compelling technical narratives.

b. Mission Partner Engagement & Program Management:

• Serves as a primary liaison with Combatant Commands, USG agencies, and multi-service units to execute joint operations effectively.
• Supports the testing, evaluation, and fielding of UAS-enabled targeting, communications, and ISR systems for Special Operations Forces and other mission partners.
• Advises government and industry stakeholders on system performance, emerging technologies, and modernization requirements.
• Coordinates airspace deconfliction between manned and unmanned aircraft, ground elements, and supporting assets to maintain safe and effective air operations.

c. After-sale Support & Training Excellence:

• Educates and trains UAS end-users (locally, nationally, and occasionally internationally) in our products and systems.
• Develops and delivers comprehensive lesson plans, courseware, SOPs, and practical exercises covering ISR integration, unmanned systems employment, and tactical decision-making.
• Engages as a Single Point of Contact for our customers on technical support (entry-level) and liaises with R&D on needs for advanced technical customer support.
• Engages in developing, updating, and maintaining learning and training material, including online/e-learning platforms.
• Evaluates and certifies operators during live-fire, simulator, and field training events, ensuring qualification standards and mission readiness.

d. Logistics & Equipment Readiness:

• Secures sufficient readiness and reliability of internal material and equipment for both pre- and after-sale support.
• Directs logistics operations, overseeing the procurement, accountability, inventory management, and movement of mission-critical equipment across international deployments and training venues.
• Develops logistical plans and contingency measures to overcome transportation, procurement challenges, and resource constraints to meet time-sensitive operational requirements.

e. Voice of the Customers:

• Collects, shares, and qualifies customer needs/requirements with Product Management & R&D for continuous improvements—based on customer/end-user interactions.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3–10+ years' experience from military operations, including mission planning involving UAS or similar systems.
• Significant experience in Special Operations (e.g., Army Ranger, Marine Raider) conducting real-world ISR operations overseas and executing UAS operations in complex urban environments.
• Proven experience in customer-facing roles such as product demonstrations, technical training, or support, including serving as a senior military instructor.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex logistics, evaluating and testing systems, and integrating manned and unmanned ISR assets.
• Experience in program management support, advising leadership on emerging technologies, and supporting acquisition or procurement initiatives.

Education:

• A background from the Armed Forces/defense organization as a non-commissioned Officer or Officer, with relevant operational or technical training in UAS, aviation systems, or mission support.
• Alternatively, or in addition to, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, electronics, robotics, aviation systems, or a related technical field—combined with military service.
• Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) qualification is highly preferred.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance (TS/SCI strongly preferred) to facilitate classified program oversight and facility access.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to use hands and fingers for manual dexterity and repetitive tasks
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift as required by the position
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects within the requirements of the position
• Ability to perform the visual, auditory, and communication requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position
• Ability to work safely in the physical and environmental conditions applicable to the position

Company Benefits:

·        Paid Time Off (PTO)

·        Paid Holidays

·        Parental Leave

·        Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

·        Health Savings Account (HSA)

·        401(k) with company match

·        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

·        Commuter Benefits

·        Basic Life Insurance – fully paid by the company for employees and their dependents

·        Long-Term Disability Insurance – fully paid by the company

·        Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

·        Supplemental Life Insurance options

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee may also be asked to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor as required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The AIRO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.