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Categories: Student

Department: RIAS

Autonomous Systems Operator

  • 496473
  • Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
  • Institutional Student
  • Closing on: May 30 2025

Salary/Position Classification

  • 20.00 hourly, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
  • 20 hours per week
  • 100% Remote Work Availability: No
  • Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

This is a part-time, non-benefited position. Only UND students are eligible to be hired in this position.

Autonomous Systems Operators will perform work on various research projects involving autonomous systems. Specifically, we are looking for personnel to perform data collector roles and commercially operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/act as a visual observer (VO) for flight operations.


Students will be working with multiple federal and state agencies on research that directly benefit the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system (NAS). Initial research will require data collectors with follow on research requiring both data collectors and commercial UAS operators.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Autonomous Systems Operators
  • Data collection
  • Interface with unmanned service suppliers.
  • Report collected data to necessary personnel.
  • Commercial operator if needed.
  • Ability to be trained and become certified on Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS) aircraft.
  • Prepare aircraft and supporting equipment for flight operations.
  • Act as pilot in command.
  • Responsible for safety through all phases of all flight.

Required Competencies

  • • Fluent English speaker, reader, and writer.
    • Basic computer skills.
    • Ability to use tablets/handheld electronic devices.
    • Ability to multitask effectively.
    • Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently.
    • Ability to perform tasks without direct supervision.
    • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Minimum Requirements

  • • Current UND Student
    • Must be a U.S. Citizen (due to funding).
    • Knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
    • Knowledge of Part 107 required for commercial operator roles.
    • Successful completion of criminal history records check.
    • Ability to obtain a part 107 commercial license, if needed
  • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • • Have Part 107 commercial certificate
    • Experience flying DJI and pixhawk aircraft.
    • Experience operating sensor payloads on aircraft.
    • Experience with both mission planner and QGroundControl software.
    • Experience building and maintaining DJI and pixhawk based unmanned aircraft.

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must be received by the closing date and include the following materials:
• Resume and Cover letter that clearly show how you meet the requirements of the position.

Please include in the application if you are currently or have in the past 12 months been employed with the University of North Dakota, the North Dakota University System or any other North Dakota State agency. If so, include which agency/department, as well as how many hours you work a week.

Career Services is here to help students looking for student employment positions at UND by offering individual sessions that include resume, cover letter reviews, and interview preparation. Please schedule an appointment through Hawk Central or email us at und.careerservices@und.edu.

For full consideration, all application materials must be fully submitted by 11:55PM CST on the closing date. Student job openings are posted for a minimum of 3 business days.

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Additional Information

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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701-777-4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit. 

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability. 

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.