Steven Cortez
Hubert,NC
Summary
Accomplished Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator with over 1000 flight hours and three successful deployments in diverse and challenging environments. Expert in executing complex flight operations, capturing high-quality aerial data, and providing actionable insights for a range of applications, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Proficient in data analysis and interpretation, ensuring mission success and operational excellence. Demonstrated leadership in training and mentoring, with exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. Proven ability to adapt to evolving conditions and deliver exceptional results while collaborating effectively with clients and team members.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Operations Capability Specialist Unmanned
Marine Special Operations Command
01.2020 - Current
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator, responsible for planning, coordinating, and integrating UAS missions in support of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
- Served as subject matter expert in integration of UAS missions and platforms in order to most efficiently support MARSOC and USSOCOM.
- Acted as a professional aviator while safely operating UAS in airspace common to both manned and unmanned aircraft through proper communication, planning, and piloting.
- Assisted in creation and validation of Special Operations Capabilities Specialist - Unmanned (SOCS-U) training pipeline for Intelligent Robotics and Automated Systems Platoon.
- Performed all Small UAS (sUAS) and Counter UAS (cUAS) duties when attached to Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOT) to employ Groups 1 - 2 UAS in tactical environments, in support of Counter Terrorism (CT) and Great Power Competition (GPC) missions.
- Operated and maintained all cUAS systems while deployed to detect, identify and defeat enemy UAS.
- Trained and mentored junior SOCS-Us on best practices and operational procedures to be successful on future deployments.
- Successfully completed two combat deployments, accumulating 724 flight hours across eight different UAS platforms.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator
United States Marine Corps
05.2015 - 12.2020
- Operated multiple unmanned aircraft to capture and disseminate high-resolution images and videos for sophisticated missions such as aerial reconnaissance, convoy security and environmental surveying.
- Planed and executed complex flight paths in accordance with Marine Corps and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations and guidelines.
- Performed pre-flight checks and regular maintenance on Groups 1 -3 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ensure optimal performance.
- Processed and analyzed aerial data collections through geospatial and signals intelligence to provide comprehensive reporting to the Air Combat Element (ACE).
- Collaborated with other departments as Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of scheduling operations to meet the Commander's intent.
- Successfully completed 387 flight hours on three different UAS platforms, with one deployment to the Indo Pacific theatre, over 3.5 years.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Audio Production
Miami International University of Art And Design
Miami, FLSkills
- UAS Operation and Flight Planning
- Aerial Photography and Videography
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- UAS Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Knowledge of Aviation Regulations and Safety Protocols
- Proficiency with Commercial off the Shelf and Military UAS and cUAS Software
- Strong Problem-Solving and Communication Skills
- Effective Delegations and Resource Management
- Client and Stakeholder Engagement Skills
- Experienced Leader and Team Manager
Certification
- FAA Part 107 Drone License - September 2024
- Silvus Technologies Radio Operator and Technician Course - May 2024
- Army Counter UAS School - November 2022
- Ground Robotics Trainer Course - September 2021
- Small UAS (sUAS) Instructor/Evaluator Course - June 2017
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator Course - April 2016
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Special Operations Capability Specialist Unmanned
Marine Special Operations Command
01.2020 - Current
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator
United States Marine Corps
05.2015 - 12.2020
Some College (No Degree) - Audio Production
Miami International University of Art And Design
- FAA Part 107 Drone License - September 2024
- Silvus Technologies Radio Operator and Technician Course - May 2024
- Army Counter UAS School - November 2022
- Ground Robotics Trainer Course - September 2021
- Small UAS (sUAS) Instructor/Evaluator Course - June 2017
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator Course - April 2016
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