Senior Operations Director (UAS Operations)

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Work Location: Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, CA

Pay Information: $122,857 - $159,716

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O&M); weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O&M; technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 33-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.

SA-TECH has been supporting the US Navy's mission at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Point Mugu as a prime contractor since 2008. Our responsibilities encompass operating and performing operational-, intermediate-, and depot-level maintenance for aerial and seaborne assets in support of weapon systems test and evaluation and fleet training exercises. We manage all stages of aerial and seaborne target assets’ operational progression from initial inspection and configuration through deployment, return and post-operation maintenance and repair. We provide management, scheduling and execution of aerial and seaborne target operations; operation and maintenance of target recovery vessels (Aerial Vehicle Recovery [AVRs]); asset maintenance and depot repair; depot engineering assistance; recovery of aerial and seaborne assets; inventory management; and management of Government-furnished facilities, materials, vehicles and equipment. SA-TECH personnel perform commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) to Remote Control conversion to meet PMS-325 production goals for the Seaborne Targets Externally Directed Team (STEDT). We also provide target control system operation and management, and set-up, test and operation of assets for System for Naval Target Control (SNTC) and Portable Command and Control Unit (PCCU) support at local and deployed locations.

At Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, CA, SA-TECH has an immediate and critical need for a Senior Operations Director (UAS Operations) to support ongoing and upcoming Navy test and evaluation programs, with a specific and significant focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. This individual will be instrumental in the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting phases of complex test events aimed at integrating cutting-edge UAS technologies into naval capabilities.

Our Senior Operations Director will serve as a key UAS technical and mission expert. This role requires practical experience in UAS operations, including flight testing, data collection, and system analysis. The candidate will work closely with Navy program offices, test organizations, system developers, and operational commands to ensure rigorous testing and accurate valuation of new and evolving UAS platforms and associated payloads.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operations Support (UAS Operations Focus):
  • Provide hands-on, on-site support during UAS operations, ground tests, and lab simulations.
  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on UAS operational procedures, ground control systems, command and control links, payload integration, and launch/recovery systems.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues encountered during testing, often in dynamic field environments.
  • Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, range regulations, and flight procedures.
  • Develop pre- and post-operational technical briefings for program leadership,  stakeholders, and other diverse audience       members.
• Leadership & Mentorship:
  • May lead small test teams or serve as a technical lead for various phases of the operation.
  • Mentor junior personnel
• Documentation & Compliance:
  • Maintain  meticulous records of test activities, data, and configurations.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant DoD, Navy, and FAA regulations pertaining to UAS operations and testing.

Work Conditions:

• Although most of the work will be accomplished in enclosed buildings, there may be some time spent outdoors, including at sea.
• Extensive travel (up to 50%) mainly to CONUS test ranges with potential for limited global travel, including at sea deployments, to co-ordinate and ensure proper execution of operations.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10-15 years of direct, relevant experience in UAS operations 
    • Direct involvement in UAS field operations, and/or mission execution.
    • Experience with UAS ground control stations, command and control links, and payload integration.
    • Understanding of UAS airworthiness, flight safety, and airspace integration concepts.
• Technical Skills:
  • Demonstrated proficiency in developing and executing complex test plans and procedures.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex technical data, identify trends, and draw conclusions.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and post-processing tools.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project).
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent  written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment as well as independently with minimal supervision.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
• U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Top Secret Security Clearance prior to start date and maintain a Top Secret clearance throughout employment.
• All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

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Working at SA-TECH:

As a highly regarded and long-established DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.

SA-TECH offers:

• Employee Recognition
• Above-Average Compensation
• Competitive Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP
• Education Assistance
• PTO and Holidays
• Vacation and Sick Leave

Other Important Information You Should Know:

• By applying to this posting, you express interest in the position and may be considered for other opportunities within the company that match your skills.
• SA-TECH offers flexible work schedules depending on the program, alongside generous PTO benefits.
• We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and evaluate all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
• We participate in the E-Verify system to verify work authorization in the U.S.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply within 5-15 days of posting for optimal consideration.
• We prioritize a supportive work environment, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance and our pay and benefits aim to enhance employee well-being. If this culture resonates with you, we invite you to apply. If you're uncertain about your fit, please explore other roles on SA-TECH Careers .

All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.

** Please note that any provided salary information is a general guideline. SA-TECH considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and skills as well as market and business considerations when extending offers.