Director of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office, Autonomous Aerial Systems Office

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

The Autonomous Aerial Systems Office invites applications for a Director of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office to join their team. The Director of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) will advance the office’s mission of stimulating unmanned aerial systems (UAS)-related innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development at UM and in the state of Montana. This individual will be responsible for positioning AASO as a statewide hub for knowledge, resources, and field experience with UAS, serving the UM community as well as the private and public sectors.

The AASO director must possess an in-depth understanding of potential in-situ and remote sensing applications and platform capabilities, a network of relevant contacts for possible contracting services, skills necessary to assist in development of in-house services, and experience with policies and regulations for FAA flight authorizations and flight day coordination.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting UM faculty, staff, and students in the use of in-situ and remote sensing platforms, including acting as a liaison for consultation services prior to choosing a research platform and/or training on UM-sponsored platforms
• Advising the UM Vice President for Research in development of UM policies and procedures regarding UAS and Certificates of Authorizations (COAs)
• Coordinating on behalf of UM with the FAA as needed, including submission and maintenance of COAs for UAS
• Maintaining current knowledge of FAA rules and regulations regarding in-situ and remote sensing platforms
• Assisting in the development of UM policies and procedures regarding data management and security from UM sponsored in-situ and remote sensing platforms
• Developing and implementing an updated strategic plan for AASO, including input from UM, private, and public stakeholders
• Maintaining an AASO website to communicate activities and disseminate policies and UAS guidance
• Pursuing and implementing grant-funded projects that advance UAS innovation at UM and in Montana
• Leading and expanding AASO’s educational and workforce development efforts, including experiential learning opportunities for Montana undergraduates and graduate students and outreach to K-12 and public audiences
• Overseeing and reporting internally on AASO’s annual budget

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 commensurate with experience

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or related field
• Five years of relevant in-situ, remote sensing, and aeronautics experience
• Demonstrated success planning and writing UAS-related grant proposals for a variety of public and private funding sources
• Demonstrated success implementing UAS-related, grant-funded projects
• Experience and working relationships with regulatory agencies such as the FAA, as well as experience with federal and state interagency coordination such as between Montana DNRC, USFS, NASA, etc.
• Understanding of the basic funding structure, procedures, and policies of the above agencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, or a related field
• Experience guiding researchers, industry, and/or agencies in UAS use and regulatory compliance
• Experience developing or advising development of UAS-related policy at the local, state, and/or federal level
• Working knowledge of the state of UAS in Montana, including needs, opportunities, and challenges in policy and infrastructure

About the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office and UM

The Autonomous Aerial Systems Office’s mission is to:

• Guide UM student, faculty, and staff’s understanding of and decision-making regarding implementation of UAS in a changing research and regulatory environment.
• Establish and expand infrastructure and resources for sustainable autonomous aerial research.
• Stimulate UAS-related innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Montana.

AASO is part of the UM Broader Impacts Group, which fosters a community of practice around research and creative scholarship activities that broaden participation in higher education and the workforce, create educational and economic opportunity, and benefit society locally and globally.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, December 11, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online through the UM jobs website directly to ensure your complete application is received.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular