Drone Instructor

MANTECH seeks a skilled and motivated small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Instructor to deliver hands-on training and instruction in first-person view (FPV) drone operations in Stafford, VA

This position plays a critical role in the development of UAS systems and advancing the technical proficiency of our operational teams and the Department of Defense.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Must possess strong knowledge and hands on experience in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining UAS systems, and be capable of effectively instructing individuals in the fundamentals of FPV flight operations.
• Deliver instructor-led FPV drone training, including classroom, simulator, and live-flight sessions for various skill levels. Evaluate student performance and provide constructive feedback aligned with course goals.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive training materials such as manuals, SOPs, and multimedia content aligned with FAA and organizational standards
• Manage UAS inventory, maintenance logs, firmware updates and airworthiness compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate new technologies, enhance UAS design, and support flight testing and mission readiness
• Perform flight tests. Assist in troubleshooting UAS systems and subsystems including avionics, flight controls, and power distribution systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years' experience. A total of 8 years' experience without a degree. Candidate must have at least 3 years of that experience operating FPV drones in tactical or professional settings
• Experience delivering UAS instruction or peer-based technical training
• Proficiency in UAV systems to include a strong understanding of FPV operations, hardware, programming, PID tuning, and safety protocols
• Familiarity with FAA Part 107 regulations and ability to obtain a license within two week of start date

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
• Advanced FPV flight experience with military or law enforcement
• Hands-on experience with mission-oriented drone tactics such as reconnaissance, navigation, and payload delivery
• Experience developing or modifying drone training curricula for tactical or technical audiences
• Proficiency with FPV firmware (e.g., Betaflight, INAV) and diagnostic tools (e.g., Blackbox, Mission Planner)

Clearance Requirements:

• Must have an active / current Secret clearance

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to carry and transport drones and training equipment up to 45 lbs
• Frequently move through outdoor terrain and open field environments for an extended period.
• Must be able to clearly communicate instructions, respond to student questions, and visually track drone flights during live exercises