UAS Pilot

K-State Salina seeks a full-time UAS Pilot at the Aerospace & Technology campus. In this role, you will instruct and evaluate student pilots, develop training materials, and help execute UAS missions in both educational and applied research settings.

  • 519773
  • Salina, Kansas, United States
  • Salina Dept of UAS
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Opening on: May 9 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

Kansas State University is seeking a full-time UAS Pilot at the Salina Aerospace and Technology campus. In this role, you will instruct and evaluate student pilots, develop training materials, and help execute UAS missions in both educational and applied research settings. You’ll work with a variety of UAS platforms and support curriculum development to meet industry needs. This position offers a balance of hands-on instruction and meaningful involvement in advancing UAS research and integration. This is a full-time, in-person position with regular weekday hours and occasional travel or weekend work as needed.

About Us

Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is located in Salina, Kansas - a town of approximately 50,000 in close proximity to two major highways, and 65 miles west of K-State's main campus in Manhattan. The Salina campus is centered around the student experience emphasizing innovative learning, real-world experiences and industry connections. We are a tight-knit family with a small college feel and the resources of a Big 12 university.

K-State was named one of America's Best-in-State Employers (Forbes, 2019). Beyond offering an unmatched sense of community K-State provides employees with a variety of benefits, including health care, retirement options, discounted event tickets and much more.

Worksite Option

This position is on-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires an associate degree in aviation maintenance or engineering technology
    • This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.
  • FAA Part 107 remote pilot-in-command (RPIC) certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • FAA fundamentals of instruction course completion.
  • Experience with developing applications for FAA Certificate of Authorizations, Section 333/49 U.S.C. 44807, Part 107 Waivers, and Airspace Authorizations.
  • Experience operating and instructing VTOL and fixed-wing UAS both in manual and autonomous configurations.
  • Experience operating UAS under Part 107, Certificates of Authorization, Waivers, or Exemptions. Experience operating UAS at night
  • Experience operating UAS beyond visual line of sight Experience operating Piccolo equipped UAS
  • FEMA certifications for disaster response Experience with UAS research operations FAA Private/Instrument Pilot Rating Systems integration experience
  • Extensive knowledge on UAS curriculum development, integration, and training;
  • Proficient on different UAS systems, 1-2 year background in UAS flight and ground instruction; Knowledgeable on Microsoft Office, computer networking and programming, and computer based systems required;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Knowledge of Certificate of Authorization process and Part 107 operations; be highly motivated and a team player;
  • Proficient in analog & digital electronics;
  • Ability to quickly learn and keep pace with rapidly growing industry; Able to work form engineering

Other Requirements:

  • Must be a United States Citizen (as required by Technology Control Plan)
  • Ability to transport 50 pounds
  • Must have FAA fundamentals of instruction course completion

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

* Cover Letter

* Resume

* Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$57,293 - $75,000, depending on experience and education

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

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