UAV Ground Systems Support Technician

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Operations Systems Support Technician / UAS Ground Systems Technician supporting Flight Operations at our flight operations facilities.
 

In this hands-on support role, the selected candidate will directly assist Flight Operations Systems Administrators in maintaining ground segment infrastructure, mission communications systems, and operational network environments. Working under administrator guidance, the technician is responsible for day-to-day physical maintenance, baseline staging, routine system inspections, cable plant integrity, and Level 1/Level 2 troubleshooting across Ground Control Stations (GCS), air and ground datalink equipment, and associated ground/mission system equipment.

The position serves as the operational frontline for ground systems and datalink readiness across operational and future flight platforms.

The successful candidate will bridge technical IT knowledge with practical flight operations execution, supporting daily pre- and post-mission checks, routine patch applications, hardware replacements, and discrepancy documentation to maximize system uptime and operational readiness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist Systems Administrators with the physical custody, setup, maintenance, and inspection of Ground Control Stations (GCS), Ground Data Terminals (GDT), mission systems, and associated ground system/datalink network hardware.
• Perform advanced, system-level troubleshooting across both aircraft and ground-based network infrastructure.
• Perform routine physical sweeps, preventive maintenance inspections, filter cleaning, and hardware health checks on mission server racks, network switches, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, and workstations.
• Assist in monitoring system health, including verifying system event logs, CPU/memory utilization, storage thresholds, power status, and network link indicators.
• Under administrator direction, execute established patch scripts, software deployments, and system updates across offline, air-gapped, and secure operational networks.
• Perform workstation and server re-imaging using approved deployment baselines, disk images, and recovery media.
• Assist with physical network cabling, fiber-optic/copper patch connections, cable routing, and port-level connectivity verification using diagnostic test tools.
• Support Ground Data Terminal (GDT) and SATCOM dish alignment checks, physical cable hookups, initial signal/link status verification, operational support, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain physical inventory, spare parts staging, and hardware tracking logs for ground communications and computing assets.
• Operational Support, Compliance & Quality Assistance
• Provide initial Level 1 and Level 2 technical support during flight operations, pre-mission ground turnups, and post-mission power-downs.
• Record, track, and log system anomalies, discrepancies, and hardware malfunctions within maintenance tracking systems.
• Assist administrators with baseline configuration audits, hardware serialization records, and IP address assignment tracking.
• Support cybersecurity compliance activities by assisting with vulnerability assessment scans, applying physical port locks, and logging security checklist items in accordance with STIG/RMF guidance.
• Assist in drafting and updating technician maintenance checklists, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and shift turnover logs.
• Escalate complex server, virtualization, routing, or RF link anomalies to Systems Administrators and engineering teams in a timely manner.
• Participate in developmental on-the-job training (OJT) to expand knowledge across networking, software, datalinks, and cybersecurity engineering.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready environment across GCS shelters, server rooms, and terminal pads.
• Assist with Avionics Technician professional development on ground and datalink systems.
• Support offsite ground setup, equipment transport, and field deployment events as required (0–25% travel).
• Support flight operations shift turnover meetings and provide ground segment status updates to operational leads and Systems Administrators.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires associate's degree or equivalent with five or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education. 
• Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Administration, or a related technical field; OR equivalent trade school certification / military technical training combined with 0–2 years of hands-on experience in IT support, desktop support, network cabling, or communications systems. Candidates with a technical degree and strong academic or internship foundations in IT seeking to transition into the aerospace and defense sector are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Equivalent Military Experience: Military technical training in communications, IT/helpdesk support, or ground network infrastructure (e.g., Air Force 3D1X2, Army 25B, Navy/Air Force 17S, or equivalent technical ratings).
• Must have strong communication skills necessary to write and record precise information.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Certifications (Preferred / In-Progress)
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+
  • Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • BICSI or fiber/copper cabling certifications (desirable)
• Equivalent Military Experience: Military technical training in communications, IT/helpdesk support, or ground network infrastructure (e.g., Air Force 3D1X2, Army 25B, Navy/Air Force 17S, or equivalent technical ratings).
• Must have strong communication skills necessary to write and record precise information.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Certifications (Preferred / In-Progress)
• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+
• Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• BICSI or fiber/copper cabling certifications (desirable)

• Internal Title: Technician IV
• Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-7 years)
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Hourly
• Workstyle: Onsite
• Pay Range Low: 59,000
• Pay Range High: 94,625
• Job Category: Technicians
• Travel Percentage Required: 0% - 25%
• Relocation Assistance Provided?: No
• Clearance Required?: Desired
• US Citizenship Required?: Yes
• Clearance Level: Secret
• Employee Referral Bonus Amount: 1,000.00