Posting Detail Information
Working TitleCSU Drone Center - UAS Research Associate
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202501361AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate I
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$65,000 to $75,000 Commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date12/01/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)12/31/2026
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on10/17/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado State UniversityDrone Center (https://www.research.colostate.edu/csudronecenter/) is a Core Facility at CSU . The Drone Center is supported by theOffice of the Vice President for Research (https://www.research.colostate.edu/) and theWalter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering (https://www.engr.colostate.edu/) . The Drone Center offices and workshop space are in the Daryl Simons Building at the Engineering Research Center.
The Drone Center exists to serve the research, educational, outreach, and service needs of the University as it relates to Unmanned Aerial Systems ( UAS ). The work unit is comprised of the Director, an Associate Director, a UAS Research Technician and five part time student hourly employees. The team works together to provide drone flight services, aircraft building/integration, research support and consultation, computer mapping/modeling, educational programs, airfield management, and community engagement. The Drone Center staff also hosts teaching and training workshops for drone piloting, FAA endorsement, mapping and modeling, and public safety UAS operations.
Fort Collins is an attractive community of about 170,000 along the Colorado Front Range at the base of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver. The city is routinely recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It consistently ranks high on quality-of-life measures by numerous publications; see https://www.fcgov.com/visitor/awards for the complete list.
The Front Range has developed into a high-tech hub with companies such as Woodward, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, IBM , Intel, Keysight Technologies, Broadcomm, AMD , Xilinx, Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman located in or near Fort Collins. The city offers a pleasant climate with excellent schools and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities nearby. For more information on Fort Collins, please visit the City's website:www.visitftcollins.com.
Position Summary
The UAS Research Associate will assist in supporting the CSU Drone Center, with a primary focus on the Phase 2 STTR - X24.5 project. This will be done through flight operations, data analysis, training, systems validation, and management of test sites. This role will be pivotal to project success, and will involve collaboration within the CSU Drone Center, Rapid Prototyping Lab, industry partners, and a unit within the U.S. Department of Defense. This position is responsible for the [ UAS System] maintenance, flight test operations, data analysis, aerodynamic/system testing, operator training, test site logistics, and federal aircraft law/policy compliance.
This position is a 13-month appointment and will end at the end of the Phase 2 STTR on 12/31/2026. Work beyond this date will only be performed if additional funding or projects are acquired.
The successful applicant must be authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Required Job Qualifications
Associate degree OR two (2) years of equivalent full-time experience working with UAS programs, DOD UAS , aerospace engineering, military, or law enforcement.
Current FAA Part 107 certification / sUAS rating, with at least 1 year of remote pilot/ RPIC experience and at least 100 documented flight hours.
Valid driver's license, the ability to obtain one, or access to a licensed driver by desired start date.
At least one (1) year of demonstrated experience at the UAS technician level to include work with various sensors, payloads, flight controller systems and components.
Demonstrated experience with UAS and hardware and software.
Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office and Google Suites and associated workflows.
Strong working knowledge of UAS multi-rotor and fixed wing airframes and components
Strong time management and project management skills.
Willing and able to work non-standard hours including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Willing and able to travel approximately 10% of the time locally in Northern Colorado.
The successful applicant must be authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department will not sponsor a visa for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
BS or BA in any engineering, remote sensing, or computer science field
UAS program administration experience in an educational or research field, most notably in an R1 research @context or affiliate.
FAA private pilot or higher
Experience with applying for and managing FAA operational waivers and / or airspace authorizations
Prior military experience or work with defense / aerospace organizations or contracts.
Basic small electrical skills such as soldering, wire harness assembly, and micro-computer assembly and programming.
Basic computer programming skills
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryDrone / sUAS piloting
Duty/Responsibility
The Drone Center Research Associate will serve as one of the primary pilots for this project, ensuring that all UAS missions are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with federal state and local regulations.
The Drone Center Research Associate will maintain all necessary certifications and proficiency standards required to operate UAS platforms assigned to this project, including maintaining currency with training, licensing, and skill development.
Percentage Of Time40%
Job Duty CategoryFAA Waiver Application and Compliance
Duty/Responsibility
The UAS Research Associate will be responsible for developing and managing advanced FAA regulatory approvals for unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ). This includes operations which may deviate from Part 107 limitations which include, but are not limited to aircraft weight limits, altitude restrictions and visual line of sight requirements.
The Research Associate will draft and submit waiver and certificate applications, prepare safety plans and concepts of operations (ConOps), and serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA for these initiatives.
Percentage Of Time40%
Job Duty CategoryProject Management and Report Writing
Duty/Responsibility
The Drone Center UAS Research Associate will be responsible for achieving project goals and meeting established deadlines, as well as compiling work reports and documenting research findings.
The Research Associate will also participate in weekly meetings and collaborative sessions with both internal teams and external project partners to ensure effective coordination and progress.
Percentage Of Time20%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload:
A cover letter that specifically addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position
Current Resume or CV
Contact information for three (3) professional references
Current FAA Part 107 certification / sUAS rating (upload in Licenses/Certification)
Flight Log (upload in Special Required Documentation)
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver's License, Travel - Approximately 10%
Search ContactChristopher Robertson, Christopher.robertson@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any @type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The @type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
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The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The Department will not sponsor a visa for this position. Will you be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date?
Yes
No
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Do you have a valid driver's license, the ability to obtain a driver's license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date?
Yes
No
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Are you willing to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends?
Yes
No
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This position is required to travel to various locations in northern Colorado, as outlined in the posting. Are you willing and able to travel to work locations as needed?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
License/Certification
Special Required Documentation
Optional Documents
