UAS / Drone Pilot & Operations - DOD Skillbridge Internship
About the role
Touchpoint International Development Group (TPIDG) is seeking transitioning service members with military UAS, aviation, intelligence, reconnaissance, communications, or operational experience for a UAS / Drone Pilot & Operations SkillBridge Fellowship. This is a hands-on opportunity designed to translate military experience into civilian UAS operations, drone technology, research, training support, and defense-industry employment. Participants will work alongside TPIDG personnel supporting UAS-related training, operational research, technology evaluation, scenario development, and field activities.
Responsibilities
- Operate commercial and government-relevant UAS platforms in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and safety procedures.
- Support UAS flight operations, mission planning, pre-flight preparation, flight execution, and post-flight activities.
- Conduct aerial data collection and ISR-oriented training scenarios.
- Support UAS threat recreation and opposing-force (OPFOR) activities.
- Assist with development and execution of UAS and counter-UAS training events.
- Evaluate UAS platforms, payloads, software, communications systems, and supporting equipment.
- Assist with testing and evaluation of emerging UAS technologies.
- Support development of realistic military UAS scenarios and training injects.
- Document flight activities, observations, equipment performance, and lessons learned.
- Assist instructors and researchers during field training events.
- Support development of training materials, demonstrations, and technical products.
- Conduct basic UAS maintenance, configuration, troubleshooting, and equipment accountability.
- Perform other UAS-related research and operational support activities as assigned.
Requirements
Location: Fayetteville, NC / Fort Liberty area + field locations. Work Arrangement: Primarily In-Person / Field-Based. Program Type: DoD SkillBridge. Program Length: 90–180 Days. Eligibility: Active-Duty Service Members within the authorized SkillBridge transition window.
Qualifications
- Military UAS experience
- FAA Part 107 certificate or willingness to obtain one
- Experience operating small UAS
- Experience with UAS mission planning
- Experience with mapping, imagery, ISR, or aerial data collection
- Familiarity with military UAS systems and terminology
- Experience with ATAK/TAK, GIS, mapping, or related systems
Skills
- Small UAS operations
- ISR / reconnaissance
- Aviation
- Intelligence
- Special operations
- Fires / targeting
- Counter-UAS
- Electronic warfare
- Communications
- Tactical operations
- Training development
- Military simulation / wargaming
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently in field environments
- Ability to travel for training and operational support
Follow-on Employment
Successful SkillBridge participants may be considered for future employment opportunities with TPIDG based on company requirements, performance, qualifications, and available positions. This is a DoD SkillBridge Internship opportunity. Participation does not guarantee employment.