Flight Operations Technician II

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is the intermediate level-developing/maturing professional. Incumbents perform complex and rigorous processes within a defined framework to meet MSU, Federal/State Government and industry policy, rules and best practices. Independently evaluates, selects, and applies accepted aviation operations and safety techniques; assignments have clear and specified objectives, and require the investigation of a limited number of variables. Incumbent relies on limited experience and exercises judgment within a construct of defined procedures and practices. The Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL), the premier manned and unmanned aviation research facility in the nation, was established in 1948. RFRL possesses a rich heritage in full-scale aircraft research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E), particularly in advanced flight test. RFRL’s rich history includes dozens of aviation “firsts,” particularly in the application of cutting-edge composite structures in aviation. Today, RFRL’s focus is to perform advanced research, development, and testing of: 1) Manned and Unmanned Aircraft; 2) Automated Flight Control Systems; 3) Aircraft Sub-Structures and Components; 4) Ground and Airborne Sensor Systems, including Detect and Avoid; and 5) Ground and Maritime Robotics. MSU’s unique position as the only university that is both the FAA-designated lead for the national UAS Center of Excellence, and an FAA-designed UAS Test Site, provides unparalleled capability to conduct world-class research and comprehensive flight testing for unmanned aircraft, ground control systems, component systems, and key supporting technologies such as detect and avoid. In addition to our flight RDT&E capabilities, RFRL also offers cutting-edge composite materials design, fabrication, prototyping, and low-rate initial production through the Marvin B. Dow Stitched Composites Development Center. RFRL also regularly helps grown aviation-related companies and innovative technologies through our role as a technology incubator. Throughout our illustrious aviation history, RFRL has been dedicated to outstanding research programs, strategic alliances with industry and government, and close collaboration with academic units of the university. Raspet offers faculty, staff, students, industry, and government agencies a facility with experience and capability for composite fabrication, structural testing, UAS and component RDT&E, in-flight sensor evaluation, and flight test instrumentation and test assistance.

Requirements

B. S. Business Administration, Management, Engineering or other technical field.
May substitute four years’ experience as a professional pilot or maintainer of manned or unmanned aircraft for education.
Two years of experience as a professional pilot or maintainer of manned or unmanned aircraft with a GTOW > 55 lbs.
At least one of the following FAA licenses: UAS Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic—requires two years at previous level or equivalent
Demonstrated experience managing substantial or complex aviation RDT&E/operations.

Nice To Haves

At least one of the following FAA licenses: UAS Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic—requires two years at previous level or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Plans, prepares, conducts and/or maintains UAS flights for Group 2 (20 lbs. – 55 lbs.), Group 3 (56 pounds – 1,320 lbs.) and Group 4 (> 1,320 lbs.) UAS in support of MSU/RFRL research goals and activities.
Informs key decisions to assess the flight readiness for unmanned aircraft systems valued at up to $2 million.
Supports compliance with applicable FAA guidance and regulations.
Supports the preparation and filing of appropriate FAA applications and supporting documents, including Certificates of Waiver or Authorization and Statements of Airworthiness.
Helps develop, and acts in compliance with MSU flight operations and/or maintenance guidance including operating procedures, checklists, technical orders, OEM guidance and reporting requirements for Group 2/3/4 UAS.
Collects, records and reports UAS/aviation flight data and maintains flight records IAW FAA and MSU guidance.
Collects data on UAS/aviation flight operations in support of research activities.
Helps develop and execute flight test plans to support MSU/RFRL research objectives.
Supports inventories and manages facilities and equipment IAW university policies.
Performs essential inspection/troubleshooting/repair as required.
Ensures compliance with the aviation safety program and the conduct of incident/accident investigations.
Performs related duties as assigned.