Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,000–$75,000 (commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications)
Posted: 10/03/2025
Application Due: 10/31/2025
Category: Aviation

Position: UAS Research Technician – CSU Drone Center

Location: Fort Collins, CO (in-person)
Posting Number: 202501372AP
Position Type: Admin Professional / Research Professional

Description of Work Unit:
The UAS Research Technician will play a pivotal role in supporting the CSU Drone Center, with a strong emphasis on expanding its research portfolio through flight operations, client acquisition, research applications, and management of the SITTs site. The role requires close collaboration with diverse clientele and support for both internal and external educational programs.

Responsibilities:

• Manage aircraft maintenance, fleet readiness, and FAA compliance

• Serve as Chief Safety Officer, conducting audits and safety stand-downs as needed

• Co-instruct workshops and seminars

• Participate in UAS field work (mapping, photogrammetry, aerial photography, videography)

• Deploy in support of local, state, and federal agencies

• Assist with UAS system development and manage airspace use at Christman Airfield

• Support technical and research functions of the center

This position requires non-standard hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends) and up to 30% travel (mostly within Colorado, with possible U.S. and international travel).

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree OR 2 years of full-time experience in higher education, aviation, engineering, marketing/communications, or program management

• FAA Part 107 certification / sUAS rating with at least 2 years RPIC experience and 100+ documented flight hours

• Valid driver’s license (or access to a licensed driver)

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a UAS technician with sensors, payloads, flight controller systems

• Experience with UAS software and hardware (DJI, Autel, Wingtra, PX4, Ardupilot)

• Strong knowledge of multi-rotor and fixed-wing systems

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite

• Motivated to work in a high-performance aviation team

• Willing to work flexible hours and travel up to 30%

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, remote sensing, or computer science

• UAS program administration in a research/educational environment (R1 context preferred)

• Private Pilot Certificate or higher

• FAA waiver/COA application experience

• Fleet maintenance and credentialing management experience

• 5+ years in higher education or K-12 setting

• Military, defense, or aerospace experience

• Volunteer background (Scouts, 4H, youth groups)

• Public speaking experience in education/public safety

• Skills in soldering, wiring, micro-computer assembly

• Basic programming skills

Application Instructions:
To apply, submit via CSU Jobs – Posting #166901:

• Cover Letter (addressing minimum and preferred qualifications)

• Resume or CV

• Contact information for three professional references (will not be contacted without notice)

• FAA Part 107 license / sUAS rating (and recurrent, if applicable)

• UAS flight log (include Part 61 if applicable with pilot’s license)

Special Notes:

• Applicants may redact personal details such as age or graduation dates.

• CSU is committed to full inclusion; applicants needing accommodations should contact the search committee.

Search Reference ID: jeid-8fb91822b509eb47b5ccaf9b65a7fcf2