UAS Test & Evaluation Planning & Coordination Specialist (SkillB

NexTech Solutions (NTS) is a team of experts and engineers who understand the challenges that organizations face in finding and implementing the best technologies and IT solutions to meet mission requirements. We work with our government customers in defense and civilian agencies to identify new technologies.

The Opportunity

This unpaid SkillBridge on-the-job training program is designed to provide transitioning active-duty service members with hands-on experience and practical exposure to mission-focused work while they complete their final phase of military service. The length of this program is 11 weeks. This is a remote position that must located at or near Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

The UAS Test & Evaluation Planning & Coordination Specialist leads the identification, evaluation, and operational demonstration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to meet defined customer mission requirements. This role combines mission analysis, structured risk assessment, operational planning, and cross-functional coordination to deliver objective, data-driven recommendations. The position requires expertise in translating high-level operational requirements into measurable performance criteria, developing evaluation frameworks, and executing controlled demonstration events in complex, security-sensitive environments.

Key Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)

Mission Requirements & Capability Assessment

• Analyze customer operational objectives, threat environments, and mission constraints.
• Conduct structured capability assessments and translate mission needs into measurable evaluation criteria.
• Develop evaluation matrices, scoring methodologies, and key performance parameters (KPPs).
• Assess platform resilience, risk exposure, and operational suitability in contested or complex environments.
• Integrate risk mitigation principles into all evaluation planning activities.

UAS Market Research & Platform Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market research on UAS platforms, subsystems, and supporting technologies.
• Evaluate system specifications including endurance, payload integration, autonomy, communications architecture, ISR capabilities, environmental tolerances, and logistical support requirements.
• Assess vendor maturity, sustainment capability, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop comparative analysis reports and executive-level capability briefs.

Demonstration Planning & Operational Execution

• Design and execute UAS demonstration events aligned with mission-representative scenarios.
• Develop structured test plans, performance metrics, and after-action reporting methodologies.
• Coordinate operational logistics including site selection, safety planning, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee live demonstration activities ensuring standardized execution, objective evaluation, and comprehensive data capture.
• Lead post-event assessments and provide data-driven platform recommendations.

Risk Management & Compliance Oversight

• Conduct operational risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities or mission impacts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
• Implement structured risk mitigation frameworks into evaluation and demonstration events.
• Produce formal reports summarizing risks, findings, and recommended courses of action.

Executive Advisory & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Brief senior leadership and customers on capability assessments, evaluation results, and recommendations.
• Facilitate integrated planning sessions and cross-functional coordination meetings.
• Maintain objective and defensible evaluation standards.