Supports Department of State (DoS) Air Wing Program Support Office (PSO) with planning, coordinating, and accomplishing a wide variety of organizational, programmatic, and staff functions. Serves as a consultant and technical expert to a PSO Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) and/or DoS officials responsible for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program and aviation operations. Assignments include global high visibility projects and critical issues which require application of thorough research and aviation operational analysis. Designs, researches, and conducts studies that are unique, difficult to define, and require unconventional approaches. Conducts analysis of various systems and relationships and evaluating and/or redefining the impact of new and emerging capabilities on current systems and policies.
Use program management tools and techniques to support PSO SME and DoS Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Program Manager. Provide support by analyzing emerging missions and performing in-depth contingency planning and market research to refine requirements and recommend appropriate Small UAS/UAS solutions. Coordinates and facilitates meetings, building agendas and slides, processing action items, implementing tools, techniques, and industry best practices to develop and transform processes.
• Provide expert technical guidance on SUAS/UAS to support DoS and partner nation requirements
• Provide technical writing support for programmatic documents, creating and maintaining directives, SOPs, and ATMs
• Perform staffing actions, review contract proposals, prepare and present briefings on program projects
• Performs independent analysis to develop and recommend courses of action to program leadership
• Reviews and evaluates projects, proposals, and/or reports for adequacy of methodology, ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified
• Day-to-day project monitoring, collecting data and preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Assists in managing, tracking, and storing details on unique projects and maintains project documentation
• Assist with research, analysis, conducting market research and preparation of cost estimates
• Assist in identifying new tools and techniques, and analyzing key characteristics of UAS
• Assist the DoS UAS Manager with maintaining the UAS hardware and software and recording maintenance, use, and maintaining configuration control of the INL/A UAS fleet
• Assist the DoS UAS Manager with creation and sustainment of OCONUS UAS programs and coordinate airspace, frequency management issues and synchronization with partner nation Civil Aviation Authorities
• Gain and maintain certification as an INL/A remote pilot in command (RPIC) and Remote Pilot Instructor (RPI)
• Assist with creation, maintenance and execution of UAS familiarization training courses
• Stay updated on relevant UAS regulations and guidelines set by aviation authorities
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in UAS technology and share knowledge with the team.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and 10 years’ experience working in Aviation Management. Other positional requirements include:
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent UAS operator certification and ability to get Part 107.
• Proven experience in operating and maintaining UAS for public safety, law enforcement, or military operations.
• Strong understanding of UAS technology, flight principles, and communication/navigation systems including Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK).
• Proficiency in UAS mission planning software and data processing tools with experience in 2D/3D scanning.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines relating to domestic and international UAS operations.
• Knowledge of airspace regulations, frequency spectrum management, and safety protocols related to UAS operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and industry trends.
• Proven experience in developing comprehensive policies, plans, and procedures for UAS operations, maintenance, and logistics support (sustainment).
• Strong operational understanding of UAS, including capabilities, limitations, and best practices for successful employment.
• Knowledge of fixed wing, rotary wing, and multi-rotor UAS operations sufficient to apply analysis, methodologies, and research findings
• Ability to identify problem areas, trends and/or similar factors to improve program aviation operations and management
• Effective and confident decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially under time constraints.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Power BI, with the ability to effectively utilize these tools for documentation, data analysis, collaboration, and presentations. Excellent organizational and critical thinking as well as oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact successfully with executive-level internal and external contacts.
• Outstanding customer service, organizational, time management skills, and ability to multi-task.
• Experience managing the change process for programmatic Technical Directives and Publications.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unaided and perform field work in outdoor sometimes austere environments.
Preferred candidate will have:
• Experience administering or building UAS programs for public safety, law enforcement or military organizations
• Experience developing, submitting, and maintaining FAA Certificates of Authorization
• Experience developing, submitting, and maintaining Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs)
• Understanding of security/cybersecurity considerations related to SUAS operations, data protection and physical security
• Understanding and familiarity with counter-UAS tactics, techniques and procedures/equipment
• Experience with multiple small UAS platforms and familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS capabilities and limitations
• Strong interpersonal, team orientation and customer service skills.
• Problem-solving aptitude; self-motivated and driven; highly adaptable to changes and meeting tight deadlines
• Military or government staff experience preparing briefings and conducting course of action analysis
• Experience working with foreign nation aviation personnel or building partner nation capacity
• Ability to travel and Spanish language skills