Chief of Operations

Job Description

The Chief of Operations will be responsible for defining, proposing, and implementing guidelines, processes, and procedures to manage staff and resources providing safe and effective flight operational support enabling aeronautical research by the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP). The incumbent is expected to exercise sound decision making and problem-solving skills while providing subject matter technical and operational expertise to core functions and affiliate operations of MAAP as designated by the Associate Director. The incumbent will also serve as a MAAP liaison with internal and external stakeholders and facilitate collaborations and research growth with MAAP partners.
Additional responsibilities include the following:

• Management of Flight Operations Staff (approx. 3-5 direct reports)
• Management of VT MAAP Flight Authorizations and Flight Operations including preflight and operational documentation, policies and procedures
• Planning, review and compliance for FAA issued waivers and exemptions
• Implementation of VT MAAP Safety Management System (SMS)
• Oversight of CONOPs development and associated administrative, regulatory, research, and operational requirements
• Coordinating with VT MAAP Chief Engineer and Program Managers for comprehensive end-to-end management of complex and varied research projects
• Assessing project administrative and operational readiness and approving flight operations
• Providing input to strategic and operational decisions
• Scoping of operations feasibility and compliance assessment, cost estimates, budget analysis, contracting, execution, and invoicing
• Supporting business development for opportunities in emerging UAS sectors and NAS integration as subject matter expert
• Ensuring Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory compliance
• Serves as a technical and regulatory liaison with the FAA UAS Integration Office
• Representing VT MAAP at FAA and industry technical meetings and conferences

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in an aviation related field. An exception may be made for a Bachelor’s Degree and significant training and experience in aviation operations management in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Knowledge of aviation safety standards and protocol
• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems or Aviation Operational Risk Management
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex aviation regulations, procedures and/or compliance standards
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university contractual policies and procedures
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn other software as needed
• Must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must have strong organizational and analytical skills
• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in written form
• Strong commitment to team work and safety culture
• Ability to use independent judgment and sound decision making
• Motivated self-starter

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Pilot Certificate
• Prior supervisory experience
• Significant experience and knowledge of UAS operations in all environments
• Experience operating fixed-wing and rotorcraft UAS
• Experience with airborne research and post processing
• Experience in an academic research environment
• Experience in public and civil UAS applications
• Thorough knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations
• Thorough knowledge of aviation charts, publications and supplements
• Experience with academic, government, and military aviation and UAS operators
• Experience with Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations
• Proficient Remote Pilot

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

October 19, 2021

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check as well as documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or receive approval from the university for a vaccination exemption due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lisa Stables at lstables@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 21, 2021
Applications close: