Flight Operations Technician II

Mississippi State University•Starkville, MS

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an intermediate-level professional role at the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL), a premier manned and unmanned aviation research facility. Incumbents perform complex processes within a defined framework to meet policy, rules, and best practices. They independently evaluate, select, and apply aviation operations and safety techniques. Assignments have clear objectives and require investigation of a limited number of variables. Incumbents rely on limited experience and exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices. The RFRL focuses on research, development, and testing of manned and unmanned aircraft, automated flight control systems, aircraft sub-structures and components, ground and airborne sensor systems, and ground and maritime robotics. MSU's unique position as the FAA-designated lead for the national UAS Center of Excellence and an FAA-designed UAS Test Site provides unparalleled capability for research and flight testing. RFRL also offers composite materials design, fabrication, prototyping, and production, and acts as a technology incubator.

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, Group 3, and Group 4 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.