Demo

Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 12/15/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/15/2026

Requisition Id 15342


Overview:
We are seeking an Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist who will operate and maintain unmanned vehicles in support of a variety of research projects. This position resides in the Autonomous Systems group in the Geospatial Sciences & Human Security division within the National Security Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As an Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist, your role will be to support a variety of research programs through the operation and maintenance of a variety of uncrewed vehicles as a pilot and lead vehicle operator. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other world-class researchers in a variety of subject areas to solve big problems facing our national security.


As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.


Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Work closely with research scientists and engineers to solve complex problems using uncrewed vehicle technologies to include aerial, ground, surface, and underwater vehicles.
  • Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of uncrewed vehicles (UxV) and ground support equipment (GSE).
  • Conduct field data collection campaigns as a lead pilot of a flight crew.
  • Develop, integrate, and test a wide variety of uncrewed vehicles including both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and maritime vehicles.
  • Integration, operation, and maintenance of multiple payloads including:
    • Multispectral/Hyperspectral Imagers
    • Short/Long Wave Infrared Imagers
    • Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR)
    • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
    • Environmental Samplers
  • Automated workflow processing of collected data in ENVI, Pix4D, and/or Python
  • Support field work for data collection and test campaigns.

Basic Requirements:
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Minimum of 25 logged hours as pilot in command of small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS/UAV).
  • Demonstrated experience with uncrewed systems and/or robotics.
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Aviation Operations, or closely related field
  • U.S. citizenship; ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with CAD software such as Autodesk or Solidworks
  • Experience troubleshooting and repairing low voltage electrical systems
  • Experience with embedded computing hardware and software implementation
  • Experience with relevant software programming languages
  • Demonstrated experience with Ardupilot/PX4 or ROS control systems
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to a scientific audience.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to technical and scientific papers and reports.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Visa Sponsorship
:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

This is a temporary position. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.


Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.


Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.


If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.


We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

Salary.com Estimation for Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist in Oak Ridge, TN
$81,820 to $97,607
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