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

About the Role

Join NIST's Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division as an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Researcher to lead systematic research into long-range and autonomous flight of UAS. This role applies industry best practices and metrics to investigate command-and-control and signaling gaps for public safety UAS operations. You will develop research methodology, simulator solutions, and measured results to inform policy changes and communications standards. The position involves overseeing research planning, direction, and execution, including goal development and assignment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing experimental testing and development of multiple drone simulators to assess packet loss, latency, data throughput, and other communications metrics; document procedures and technical results for NIST publication.
• Assist in data collection from drone simulators and live UAS flight testing using an iterative process.
• Assist in developing test plans using UAS test methods for public safety use cases, including participation in user conferences, Part 107 flight testing, reviewing technical papers, contributing to UAS studies, conducting stakeholder interviews, and reviewing documentation.
• Assist in designing and planning an in-person stakeholder workshop to collect feedback and align processes with stakeholder needs.
• Assist in designing and planning an in-person live flight-testing event with stakeholders, including drafting test plans, developing repeatable tests for real-world public safety UAS scenarios, and coordinating resources for data collection and analysis.
• Assist in documenting simulator experiments, UAS test methodologies, research designs, and outcomes to support stakeholder workshops and flight-testing results for future UAS communications standards.
• Prepare presentation materials for diverse audiences, including NIST, Federal Government partners, and private industry, to promote and increase awareness of the research program.
• Perform research and project management functions, collaborating with PSCR R&D subject matter experts and staff to interpret ambiguous guidelines, manage deadlines, and ensure tasks are completed within schedule and budget.
• Prepare monthly status reports and technical reports documenting research design, plans, and outcomes for stakeholder workshops 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.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in UAS research and development or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in research design and analysis.
• FAA Part 107 UAS pilot's license.
• Experience working collaboratively on UAS research projects.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and interpret ambiguous guidelines.
• Ability to create presentation materials for diverse audiences, including Federal Government partners and private industry.

Desired Qualifications

• 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

Pay

$154,280.10 annually or $5,933.85 per paycheck (26 paychecks).

Schedule

Full-time, on-site position at NIST Boulder, CO Campus. Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.