The Flight Operations Manager coordinates and conducts uncrewed, UAS and balloon, flight operations while growing and developing the flight operations team (UAS pilot/operations, mechanical technicians, and electrical/avionics technicians). The Flight Operations Manager is technically proficient in aviation principals and processes, airspace and FAA regulations, avionics, and excels at developing and growing a team of people and their contributions. A strong understanding of flight operations while tracking budgets and expenses is essential to be successful at Aerostar. 

As a Flight Operations Manager you will ensure mission success and meet flight operation objectives through planning, supervising, scheduling, logistics, quality checks, cost analysis, and profitability operations. You will mentor your team to enhance knowledge of aviation avionics, telemetry, and mechanical systems for unmanned operations.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and grow the multi-disciplined flight operations team and expand their capabilities.
• Develop and maintain project budgets and schedules.
• Plan and coordinate logistics support for flight operations team. 
• Work effectively with engineering and production teams to achieve seamless readiness for flight operations.
• Integrate payloads in preparation for flight.
• Conduct flight readiness and safety reviews.
• Provide timely and accurate labor reports.
• Forecast and update ongoing project costing and deliveries. 
• Develop budgets for capital expenditures with appropriate cost justifications.
• Identify and develop training associated with launch and flight operation.
• Leads deployments to support customer testing and operations.
• Leads flight operations team during deployment. 
• Administer team member performance reviews and goal setting.
• Maintain records on direct reports in relation to attendance, performance, training, development and safety.
• Demonstrates Aerostar's Guiding Principles.
• Maintain close surveillance over product service and flight operations activities. 
• Responsible to effectively promote and maintain customer relationships.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or technical field.
• Minimum 5 years related experience required; or experience in lieu of education.
• 3 years of supervisory experience leading and growing a team.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Experience managing a team to successfully plan, coordinate, and conduct uncrewed flight operations.
• Experience using electronic test equipment and a basic understanding of avionics.
• Experience with operational readiness and safety reviews and briefings preferred.
• Knowledge basis of design, manufacturing, and servicing of electronics preferred.
• Background in radio and telemetry systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of quality control practices and tools, ISO 9001, SPC, and Six Sigma.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and empower team members to succeed.
• High level of patience and service. Ability to motivate team members.
• Problem-solving abilities. Ability to identify waste and creatively look for solutions.
• Ability to be flexible and multitask.
• Travel is required, potentially up to 20% of time, both domestic and international.
• Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required.
• Top Secret Government Security Clearance preferred.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements: Jobs will be performed while sitting or standing. Frequent lifting and moving of lightweight materials, occasionally in difficult work positions. Occasional lifting of items. 

Working Conditions: A professional aviation environment and position diversity varies between office, flight hangar, production floor, flight line and field operations. 

Special Requirements

This position requires access to or use of information which is subject to the federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR. ITAR and EAR define “U.S. Person” as Any individual who is a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident alien of the United States, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. – unable to provide sponsorship

Benefits:

Our excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and disability insurance and 401k. Team Members can also take advantage of additional benefit programs such as education assistance, employee assistance program (EAP) and much more.

EEOC Statement:

Aerostar is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.