Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Researcher (Scientist/Engineer III)

This role supports NIST's Public Safety Communications Research Division in conducting systematic research into long-range and autonomous flight of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The researcher will design and execute experiments using drone simulators and live flight testing, develop test plans and methodologies for public safety use cases, and document results to inform UAS communications standards. The position involves coordinating stakeholder workshops and flight-testing events, managing research projects, and preparing technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing experimental testing and development of multiple drone simulators for assessing packet loss, latency, data throughput, and other communications metrics, and document the procedures and technical results for future NIST publication.
• Assist in data collection from drone simulators and live UAS flight testing based on an iterative collection process.
• Assist in the development of test plans using UAS test methods performed for public safety use cases to support UAS research, including participating in user conferences, Part 107 flight testing with UAS, reviewing journal and technical papers, contributing to UAS studies, conducting stakeholder interviews, and reviewing documentation.
• Assist in the design and planning of an in-person stakeholder workshop engaging organizations to collect stakeholder feedback and ensure processes and outcomes align with stakeholder needs.
• Assist in designing and planning an in-person live flight-testing event with stakeholders, facilitating a draft test plan and repeatable tests for enabling test flights in real-world public safety UAS scenarios, including developing methodology for data collection from test administrators and coordinating general resources to support flight testing and data analysis in a controlled environment.
• Assist in documenting simulator experiments, UAS test methodologies, research designs, and outcomes to support the stakeholder workshop and flight-testing results for future application to UAS communications standards and technologies for public safety use cases.
• Provide presentation materials for diverse audiences internal to NIST and other Federal Government partners, as well as private industry or similar partners, to promote and increase awareness of the research program.
• Perform a full range of research and project management functions to work with PSCR R&D subject matter experts and staff, exercising judgment to interpret ambiguous guidelines, manage multiple deadlines, implement complex coordination, and review processes to ensure research and project management tasks are completed correctly within schedule and budget.
• Prepare monthly status reports and technical reports documenting research design, plans, and outcomes for the stakeholder workshop and flight-testing events.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or a related field appropriate to the work required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the related field, specifically in UAS research and development, or a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in research design and analysis.
• Holds an FAA Part 107 UAS pilot's license.
• Experience working collaboratively on UAS research projects.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to exercise judgment to interpret ambiguous guidelines, manage multiple deadlines, implement complex coordination, and review processes.
• Ability to provide presentation materials for diverse audiences, including Federal Government partners and private industry.

Nice to have

• MPA (Master's in Public Affairs or Public Administration) and/or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Experience working in a federal government environment, particularly with NIST or other scientific agencies.
• Experience with drone/UAS simulator platforms and communications testing (e.g., packet loss, latency, data throughput analysis).
• Experience facilitating stakeholder workshops or coordinating multi-organization research events.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off