University of Maryland - College Park, MD

posted 4 months ago

Full-time - Mid Level
College Park, MD
Educational Services

About the position

The UAS Operations Director (UOD) at the University of Maryland plays a pivotal role in supporting the UMD UAS Research and Operations Center (UROC) by leading and managing engineering efforts and flight operations within the Center's Operations department. This position is located in St. Mary's County and is essential for overseeing a team of engineers dedicated to the design, upgrade, modification, prototyping, and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for research and educational purposes. The UOD will utilize extensive UAS flying experience to supervise the flight operations team and actively participate in field operations, flying a diverse range of commercial and custom drones to support various research and engineering initiatives. In this role, the UOD is responsible for managing the team's workload to ensure that projects are completed professionally and safely, aligning efforts with the priorities set by the UROC Director. The UOD will assist in business development and provide guidance on professional development and training for both the engineering and operator workforce. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), overseeing operations and maintenance processes, managing project logistics, and ensuring adherence to best practices for UROC drones. The UOD will also guide the development and updating of proficiency standards for UROC pilots and perform additional tasks as necessary to facilitate the mission of UROC. The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland is committed to high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing students to tackle the 21st-century Grand Challenges such as energy, environment, security, and human health. The Clark School aims to lead and transform the engineering discipline, accelerate entrepreneurship, and convert research and learning activities into innovations that benefit society.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage engineering efforts and flight operations for the UMD UAS Research and Operations Center (UROC).
  • Supervise a team of engineers in the design, upgrade, modification, prototyping, and testing of UAS.
  • Participate in field operations by flying a variety of commercial and custom drones.
  • Manage team workloads to ensure projects are accomplished professionally and safely.
  • Assist the UROC Director in business development and advise on professional development and training.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Operations and Maintenance processes.
  • Oversee logistics of project execution and ensure best practices for maintaining UROC drones.
  • Guide the development and update of proficiency standards for UROC pilots.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical or aviation-related discipline, or a 2-year degree plus two additional years of relevant experience, or no degree plus four additional years of relevant experience.
  • Two years' experience leading and managing aviation-focused teams in dynamic operational environments.
  • Three years' experience piloting complex unmanned aircraft, which may include concurrent experience in leading/managing operations.
  • 200 hours of documented UAS pilot hours operating fixed-wing and multicopter systems.
  • Hold a current Remote Pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 107.
  • General computer skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

  • AA Private Pilot (or higher) certificate.
  • Experience operating UAS via radio control and autonomous methods.
  • Experience in a flight research or flight test environment.
  • Experience mentoring and training a junior workforce in a dynamic environment.
  • Experience overseeing aviation-related training and ensuring pilot proficiency.
  • Experience developing technical and training manuals/materials for aviation or similar organizations.
  • Experience performing or overseeing maintenance and repair of UAS or similar equipment.
  • Experience with operations employing formal aviation safety programs.
  • Experience obtaining permission to operate outside normal 14 CFR Part 107 rules.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance available to Southern Maryland.
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • Retirement savings plan options.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
© 2024 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service