WarrenUAS Soars Higher: Ed Celiano Joins the Drone Revolution

In a bold move that underscores its commitment to innovation, WarrenUAS—the trailblazing drone training program at Warren Community College in New Jersey—has just welcomed Ed Celiano, a titan in the unmanned aviation systems (UAS) industry, to its ranks. With a career spanning over four decades in defense technology and UAS operations, Celiano is set to supercharge WarrenUAS’s mission to shape the future of drone technology.

Meet the Man Behind the Mission

Ed Celiano isn’t just another name in the drone world—he’s a legend. With a resume that reads like a roadmap of UAS evolution, Celiano has spent the last 14 years as the executive director of the New Jersey Unmanned Aviation Systems Test Site (NJUASTS). There, he spearheaded flight operations across eight states, ensuring the safe integration of drones into the National Airspace System. Before that, he held leadership roles at Drexel University’s Applied Communications and Information Networking Center and S.T. Production Systems, where he honed his expertise in military electronics and communications systems.

Now, Celiano brings his wealth of experience to WarrenUAS as a consultant and instructor, focusing on the integration of large UAS systems. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the program, which has rapidly become one of the nation’s top training hubs for unmanned systems.

Taking Drone Training to New Heights

WarrenUAS has already made waves in the drone industry, securing over $5 million in cutting-edge UAS technology and offering specialized training in fields like agriculture, law enforcement, and disaster response. But with Celiano on board, the program is poised to reach even greater heights.

“Ed’s expertise is unparalleled,” said Warren President Will Austin. “His ability to navigate complex FAA authorizations and his experience with larger, more sophisticated UAS systems will open up entirely new opportunities for our students.”

Celiano’s role will include leading research initiatives for the Department of Defense, advancing natural resource management, and enhancing critical infrastructure inspections. He’ll also play a key role in counter-UAS operations, a growing field as drones become more prevalent in both civilian and military spaces.

A Legacy of Innovation Meets the Future of Education

For Celiano, joining WarrenUAS is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape the next generation of drone professionals. “I’m thrilled to be part of this program,” he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and help WarrenUAS continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this field.”

Under Celiano’s guidance, students will gain hands-on experience with advanced UAS systems, preparing them for careers in a booming industry. From mastering FAA Part 107 certifications to operating heavy-payload drones, the program is setting a new standard for UAS education.

“This partnership takes WarrenUAS to heights we never imagined,” Austin added. “The real winners here are our students and the companies that will benefit from their expertise.”