sUAS/Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Master Trainer

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Position Overview

The sUAS/Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Master Trainer serves as the organization's senior instructor and subject matter expert responsible for the development, execution, and continuous improvement of small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) training programs. The Master Trainer develops military-quality Programs of Instruction (POIs), Training Support Packages (TSPs), lesson plans, practical exercises, and evaluation materials while delivering classroom, laboratory, and field instruction to military, government, and commercial customers.

This position provides technical expertise in sUAS operations, C-UAS employment, FAA regulatory compliance, military airspace coordination, and organizational-level system maintenance. The Master Trainer ensures all instruction meets Department of War training standards and supports operational readiness across tactical and operational formations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and deliver Programs of Instruction (POIs) for sUAS and C-UAS training programs.
• Design and develop Training Support Packages (TSPs), lesson plans, instructor guides, student guides, examinations, practical exercises, and performance evaluations.
• Develop instruction utilizing the Army Systems Approach to Training (SAT) and ADDIE instructional design methodology.
• Develop measurable Terminal Learning Objectives (TLOs), Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs), performance steps, conditions, and standards.
• Conduct classroom instruction, simulator training, laboratory instruction, and live-flight practical exercises.
• Evaluate student performance and certify proficiency in accordance with established training standards.
• Serve as the lead instructor and mentor for assistant instructors and evaluators.
• Develop risk assessments, flight operations plans, safety documentation, and range support products.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute sUAS flight operations in accordance with FAA regulations, military guidance, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate and deconflict military airspace with installation Range Control, Airfield Operations, and other aviation authorities.
• Prepare and submit FAA Part 107 waiver applications and LAANC authorization requests.
• Provide technical expertise on the employment of Counter-UAS systems at the tactical and operational levels.
• Support operational planning for sUAS and C-UAS employment during exercises, demonstrations, and customer events.
• Perform organizational and intermediate (20-level) maintenance on supported sUAS hardware, software, and mission systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair sUAS platforms, avionics, payloads, communications equipment, firmware, and mission planning software.
• Maintain accountability of training equipment, aircraft, batteries, support equipment, and training records.
• Maintain proficiency on emerging sUAS technologies, FAA regulations, military doctrine, and current tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Travel as required to support customer training and operational requirements.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience operating small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.
• Current Department of War sUAS Master Trainer certification.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and employing Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) at the tactical and operational levels.
• Experience developing military Programs of Instruction (POIs), Training Support Packages (TSPs), lesson plans, and associated instructional materials.
• Working knowledge of the Army Systems Approach to Training (SAT) and/or ADDIE instructional design methodology.
• Experience developing Terminal Learning Objectives (TLOs), Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs), and performance-based training products.
• Experience conducting classroom, laboratory, and field instruction.
• Working knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations, waiver processes, and LAANC authorizations.
• Experience coordinating sUAS operations within military airspace and with installation aviation authorities.
• Working knowledge of sUAS hardware, software, mission planning systems, and organizational/intermediate (20-level) maintenance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel in support of customer requirements.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in project management or another related field.
• Prior military service in Aviation, UAS, Air Defense Artillery, Electronic Warfare, Intelligence, Special Operations, Civil Affairs, or related operational specialties.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or other Federal Government training programs.
• Experience operating Group 1 through Group 3 UAS platforms.
• Experience instructing First Person View (FPV) UAS operations.
• Experience with Blue UAS-approved platforms and associated mission systems.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance as required by contract or program needs.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally in support of customer requirements.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and customer safety requirements.

Physical Demands

• Must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and austere training environments.