Emerging Aviation Technology Coordinator - Aviation Division

Texas Department of Transportation•Austin, TX

About The Position

Performs advanced program management work centered on aviation innovation including leading emerging aviation technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Space and leading the department's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. Collaborates with Federal, State and local agencies to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Provides technical expertise and oversight in the implementation of UAS and AAM across the agency, public and commercial sectors and other state agencies. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies, industry professionals and other stakeholders. Reports to the Director of Emerging Technologies Section. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
4 years of experience in developing, operating, or managing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) programs for enterprise-level applications, including infrastructure, surveying, media, or engineering, which includes at least 2 years implementing new technologies into existing operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
Must possess a current FAA-Certified Remote Pilot 107 License at time of hire
Applicable research and analysis methodologies
Applicable policies and procedures
Aviation regulations and industry trends related to UAS and AAM
Local, state and federal laws and regulations related to AAM, UAS, Space, C-UAS and UTM
State and federal rules and regulations governing uncrewed operations in the national airspace system
Budget administration and overseeing contracts and contracted services
Researching, evaluating and interpreting complex information
Evaluating and interpreting complex information
Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
Using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Maintaining a safe working environment
Operating drones and uncrewed aircraft safely
Makes presentations to internal and external stakeholders
Effectively communicate in both written and oral forms
Evaluate the suitability of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for specific mission requirements
Coordinate efforts of internal and external stakeholders and partners
Evaluate and research new technologies in the mobility space

Responsibilities

Oversees Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations with districts, divisions, and outside contractors in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Traffic Control.
Oversees and conducts research into the possible agency uses of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) including testing and development.
Oversees and coordinates the procurement and maintenance of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) assets.
Develops agency standard operating procedures and recommends changes to TxDOT leadership.
Oversees a team of pilots to provide drone services or operational support to include during natural disasters and emergencies.
Trains, advises, and assists in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations for mapping, inspections, emergency operations, and other aerial data collection; will conduct field work using drones for a variety of projects.
Represents the agency at industry conferences, public outreach events, internal events, boards and commissions.
Prepares reports, briefings and supporting material.
Researches and assesses industry trends, innovations and policy concerning Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Space industry operations, Counter UAS, and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM).
Manages research projects with university partners; tracks results and makes strategic recommendations for aviation innovations program.
Serves as subject matter expert on AAM and UAS capabilities and their deployment to support State DOT mission.
Coordinates or Leads advanced air mobility infrastructure planning for state transportation networks.
Ensures compliance with policies and regulations for both internal and external UAS usage.
Serves as remote pilot in command (RPIC) for UAS missions.
Oversees and manages all TxDOT pilot qualifications and training syllabus events for initial and recurrent training.
Oversees and manages all training programs and course development in association with various university’s and or commercial training organizations.
Serves as an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program lead and primary trainer for less experienced staff.
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.