Director of Flight Operations

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning. A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently. The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio. The Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.

Requirements

BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience
2,500+ hours PIC (airplanes), including 1,000+ hours PIC in turbine multiengine land; 300+ PIC hours in turbine multiengine land conducting international flights.
3+ years as a Pilot in Command (PIC) of a multiengine airplane in civil government/military/FAA (or equivalent)-certificated commercial operations.
3+ years in a senior flight-ops leadership role (Director of Operations/Chief Pilot/or equivalent) in civil government/military/FAA (or equivalent)-certificated commercial operations.
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Able to complete an FAA-approved CL-65 type-rating course and earn the type rating.
Unrestricted FAA ATP (AMEL); FAA CFI and CFII (AMEL); FAA Class II medical and ability to hold Class I (annual for international ops); hold or be eligible for unrestricted ATP for aircraft operated by PNNL.
Government flight operations experience; special-mission modified transport-category PIC experience.
Experience implementing/managing SMS, IS-BAO, and aviation safety programs; IS-BAO workshop completion (or ASO program graduation); GSA ICAP Federal Aviation Safety Officer certification.
Unrestricted FAA-issued CL-65 type rating; working knowledge of aviation operations and maintenance practices; experience leading/managing an aviation unit; basic understanding of FAA modification/approval; mishap investigation, emergency preparedness, aviation safety, and human factors; knowledge of public aircraft operations regulations/standards; strong written/verbal communication (including public speaking/presentations).
Experience conducting and supervising Part 91 (“general operating rules”) flight operations.

Responsibilities

Oversees manned and unmanned platforms and science missions; provides oversight of pilots, ground crew, and operations support; leads mission/logistics planning for worldwide deployments.
Supports Challenger 850 modification/delivery as a science platform.
Ensures safe, efficient, and legally compliant flight operations; oversees PNNL and contractor pilots/dispatchers/crew while maintaining regulatory standards.
Develops a comprehensive pilot training syllabus meeting FAA standards and science-mission standards (including sustained profiles and low-altitude operations); oversees initial/recurrent/upgrade pilot training, certification, and qualification programs.
Develops/revises crew coordination procedures for science-specific profiles.
Implements Safety Management System (SMS) to manage operational risk; serves as (and be qualified as) an Aviation Safety Officer.
Reviews/updates/enforces the General Operations Manual (GOM); manages daily flight schedules, crew assignments, and dispatch operations; manages disruptions due to weather, mechanical issues, or ATC.
Acts as liaison to FAA/NTSB/airport authorities as assigned; develops/manages annual flight operations budget; negotiates vendor contracts (fuel, ground handling, flight planning software) with Procurement; defines hiring standards for flight crews.