Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Operator

Position: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Operator

Location: NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen (MOB GK), Germany

Employment: Full-time, rotational shift (24 hours/day, 7 days/week)

Clearance: NATO or National SECRET security clearance

Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (est. $68,000 - $91,000)

Position Summary:

The C-UAS Operator provides continuous monitoring and operation of NATO's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System supporting Force Protection (FP) and Airfield Defense operations at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen. The operator performs real-time detection, identification support, reporting, and escalation of unmanned aircraft activity while maintaining continuous situational awareness in a time-sensitive operational environment. The position directly contributes to the protection of NATO personnel, aircraft, facilities, and mission operations through disciplined surveillance, reporting, and adherence to established NATO procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor all assigned C-UAS system displays and sensor interfaces throughout assigned shifts.
• Detect, recognize, classify, and assess suspected UAS activity.
• Notify the appropriate Security Squadron (SWS) and International Military Police (IMP) authorities in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain complete operational logs, event reports, incident documentation, and shift turnover records.
• Maintain operational continuity through effective shift handovers.
• Support elevated force protection conditions and surge operations.
• Participate in drills, exercises, readiness evaluations, and continuation training.
• Maintain familiarity with Electronic Warfare (EW) and electronic attack/jamming procedures.
• Maintain strict operational security while handling NATO information.
• Follow all NATO, Host Nation, and MOB Geilenkirchen security procedures.
• Operate only within assigned monitoring authorities; operators shall not initiate electronic attack or kinetic defeat actions.
• Support continuous 24/7 operations with professionalism and attention to detail.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Situational awareness
• Threat recognition
• Incident reporting
• Radio communications
• Operational discipline
• Security procedures
• Teamwork
• Time-sensitive decision making

REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications:

• NATO or National SECRET security clearance.
• STANAG 6001 English Level 2 or equivalent.
• Ability to work rotating 24/7 shifts.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong written documentation skills.
• Team-oriented with excellent communication skills.
• Eligible to work at NATO installations in Germany.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Military experience in Air Defense, Airfield Operations, Force Protection, Security Forces, Air Battle Management, Intelligence, EW, Air Surveillance, or Command & Control.
• Experience operating radar, surveillance, sensor fusion, or C2 systems.
• Previous NATO or coalition operations experience.
• Experience operating drone detection or C-UAS systems.

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Mission Essential considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Mission Essential is an EEO/AA employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.