Description

Position Type: Part-time, On-call, Non-exempt

Work Location: Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, CA

Pay Information: $115/hr

This is a Part-Time, On-Call, On-Site Position

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O&M); weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O&M; technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 35-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.

SA-TECH has been supporting the US Navy's mission at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Point Mugu as a prime contractor since 2008. Our responsibilities encompass operating and performing operational-, intermediate-, and depot-level maintenance for aerial and seaborne assets in support of weapon systems test and evaluation and fleet training exercises. We manage all stages of aerial and seaborne target assets’ operational progression from initial inspection and configuration through deployment, return and post-operation maintenance and repair. We provide management, scheduling and execution of aerial and seaborne target operations; operation and maintenance of target recovery vessels (Aerial Vehicle Recovery [AVRs]); asset maintenance and depot repair; depot engineering assistance; recovery of aerial and seaborne assets; inventory management; and management of Government-furnished facilities, materials, vehicles and equipment.

SA-TECH personnel perform commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) to Remote Control conversion to meet PMS-325 production goals for the Seaborne Targets Externally Directed Team (STEDT). We also provide target control system operation and management, and set-up, test and operate assets for System for Naval Target Control (SNTC) and Portable Command and Control Unit (PCCU) support at local and deployed locations.

We are currently seeking to hire a a highly skilled Aerial Drone Operator to be responsible for the planning, launch, piloting, and recovery of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military training or testing purposes. The role requires a strong technical background and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards.

This role is a critical component of military operations, ensuring that unmanned systems are deployed effectively and safely to support various defense and training objectives.

The following are basic requirements but other duties may be added as needed:

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning: Plan and analyze flight missions, including defining objectives and coordinating with other personnel to ensure deconfliction with other aircraft and the proper use of airspace.
Pre-flight Operations: Conduct thorough pre-flight inspections and safety checks on the drone and associated ground equipment to ensure proper functionality and mission readiness.
System Operation: Operate the drone from a ground control station, monitoring performance and making real-time adjustments during flight to ensure safe and accurate operation based on mission parameters.
Launch and Recovery: Participate in launch-and-recovery ground crew operations, which may involve using specific equipment such as cranes or working on a carrier flight deck, depending on the platform.
Data Collection & Analysis: Operate onboard sensors (e.g., cameras, data links) to collect required intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data or to simulate targets for testing.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform limited unit-level maintenance and troubleshoot technical issues with the drone, communication equipment, and power sources both in the field and during pre-flight preparations.
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain detailed flight logs and records, ensuring all operations comply with military and aviation regulations.

Work Conditions:

This is a part-time, on-call position, depending on mission requirements, and may involve odd hours and long days when missions dictate.
The position will require travel to both CONUS and OCONUS locations.
Most of the work will be performed in office environments.
You must be able to lift 50lbs. unassisted.

Requirements

Education/Experience/Skills:

High School diploma or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, navigation systems, and drone software and hardware for BQM targets. (ex: BQM-74/34/177)
Demonstrable ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and make rapid, informed decisions under pressure.
Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for safety checks, data analysis, and mission execution.
Excellent communication skills are required to coordinate effectively with team members, ground forces, and command centers.
Prior experience in aerospace operations or military certifications in drone piloting is required.
Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance prior to start date and maintain a Secret clearance throughout employment.
All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

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Supporting Our Warfighters:

As a highly regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.

SA-TECH offers:

Employee Recognition
Above-Average Compensation
Competitive Benefits
Ongoing Training and Development
Career Advancement Opportunities

Benefits Offered:

Medical, Dental, Vision
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability
401(k) match
Flexible Spending Accounts
EAP
Education Assistance
PTO and Holidays
Vacation and Sick Leave

Other Important Information You Should Know:

By applying to this posting, you express interest in the position and may be considered for other opportunities within the company that match your skills.
SA-TECH offers flexible work schedules depending on the program, alongside generous PTO benefits.
The above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position. SA-TECH maintains the right to make changes to job descriptions whenever necessary.
SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and evaluate all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify system to verify work authorization in the U.S.
Applicants are encouraged to apply within 5-15 days of posting for optimal consideration.
We prioritize a supportive work environment, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance and our pay and benefits aim to enhance employee well-being. If this culture resonates with you, we invite you to apply. If you're uncertain about your fit, please explore other roles on SA-TECH Careers .

All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.

** Please note that any provided salary information is a general guideline. SA-TECH considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and skills as well as market and business considerations when extending offers.