Aerostar’s Test Range Manager coordinates and conducts uncrewed, UAS and balloon, flight operations. The Test Range 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 being successful at NSC. 

The Test Range Manager is responsible for management and administration of the Tillamook UAS Test Range. Is the primary interface with customers, the FAA and other involved state and Federal agencies, and internal management. Integrates and aligns the technical, operations, business, and contract teams for all UAS Test Range operations and related flight test services.

In addition, our Guiding Principles apply to all employees without exception. 

Guiding Principles

• Do What is Right-We have integrity and strong character ● We are trustworthy ● We follow through on our commitments ● We are respectful ● We value diverse backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives ● We take care of our team members and our customers.
• Dare Mighty Things-We have courage ● We do what others think is impossible ● We love the challenge ● We are not afraid to take risks ● We have passion ● We have a bias for action ● We make things happen ● We succeed under adversity ● We are resilient ● We have grit.
• Make A Difference-We make the world better with our products and solutions ● We are engaged in our community ● We each make a difference within our company ● We are lifelong learners, both professionally and personally ● We are servant leaders.
• Own It-We take responsibility We are entrepreneurial ● We take pride in everything we do ● We check our egos at the door ● We delegate authority ● We empower team members to make decisions ● We learn from failure ● We support one another.
• Simplify-We actively seek out ways to simplify ● We value clarity and brevity ● We break plans down into actionable steps ● We streamline processes ● We are humble ● We make do with what we have ● We are resourceful.

Essential Functions:

• Lead BD efforts to define new UAS test customer opportunities. Develop understanding of requirements, identify risks and obstacles, come up with alternative approaches as needed, define how to best align customer needs with range capabilities.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to support forecasting, scheduling, and budgeting of customer projects.
• Serve as customer interface for UAS Test Range projects.
• Coordinate with other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Manage risk and control change at levels appropriate for the project.
• For new projects, develop flight safety plans using JARUS SORA Process to support Statement of Airworthiness.
• Understand all requirements and capabilities of COAs, complete all FAA communications before, during, and after operations.
• Coordinate with Flight Operations Manager for resources to complete customer testing.
• Coordinate with local agencies for land use as needed (City of Tillamook, Port of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook County, Oregon State Parks, Oregon Dept of Forestry, private lumber companies, etc.).
• Coordinate with County Sheriff, US Coast Guard, etc. for awareness of support of test plans.
• Be the onsite Range Safety Officer for customer UAV tests on the Tillamook Range, providing all safety oversight, FAA communication per COA and other agreements, and customer plan support. Also develop training and skills for others on team to perform observer, tracking aircraft pilot and other safety related duties.
• Know the key FAA stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships.
• Manage airspace scheduling and deconfliction with appropriate DoD agencies. Maintain effective and cooperative relationships.
• Produce and facilitate the on-time delivery of all test related deliverables and reports to customer POCs.
• Support invoicing for all Test Range related services and coordinate with accounting to ensure that revenue is recognized as forecasted.
• Demonstrates Aerostar’s Guiding Principles: Learning, understanding, continuously improving, and promoting the division’s quality management system in accordance with ISO standards.
• Support UAS Bid and Proposal activity.
• Define market requirements, participate in business strategy setting, and develop messaging for Test Range.
• Responsible for all project activity (cost, schedule, performance) for larger or more complex projects.
• Manages larger, key, or particularly complex projects.
• Provide support to overall Aerostar team for FAA coordination issues.
• Create and regularly maintain overall project calendar that communicates major actions.
• Represent Aerostar and Tillamook UAS Test Range at industry events and engage with customers to identify and grow new business and new opportunities.
• Regularly review project performance in reference to basis of estimate to improve bidding practices and fidelity.
• Identify related customers with similar applications, or new applications with existing customers, and drive business growth.
• Communicate customer requested/desired improvements and enhancements.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or related field. Masters preferred.
• DOD or Gov’t experience preferred (prior military or civilian experience).
• 8 years related experience with minimum 4 years’ experience managing DOD or advanced aerospace technology programs.
• Experience with FAA Civil Aircraft operations.
• Experience with developing UAS flight test programs.
• Commercial Pilots License with instrument rating with ATP preferred
• Program Management Professional (PMP) qualification highly desired.
• Experience with EVMS reporting desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure the alignment of test range operations with organizational goals.
• Skill in developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Expertise in managing large-scale projects, coordinating multiple teams, and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Experience navigating the US Government acquisition life cycle phases (requirements, market research, RFP, source selection, pre- award, post-award and execution).
• Direct PM experience with US Department of Defense and Intelligence Community (IC) processes, policies and guidance, including a working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS).
• Experience in business financial reporting and forecasting.
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of test range operations, including advanced testing techniques and safety protocols.
• Expert understanding of the technical equipment and software used in test range operations.
• In-depth knowledge of strategic regulatory and compliance issues impacting test range activities.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical Requirements: Jobs will be performed while sitting or standing. Frequent lifting and moving.

Working Conditions: Exposure to a normal office environment. Position may occasionally require entering a production environment, including exposure to noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varied temperatures.

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.