Range Operations Officer (R6193)

Shield AI • Wichita, KS

3d • $32 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

The Range Operations Officer supports the daily operation, readiness, and sustainment of Shield AI’s flight-test ranges. The role ensures that range, facilities, equipment, consumables, access controls, required notifications, and operational records are prepared and maintained for safe range operations. Reporting to the Range Operations Manager, the Officer performs day-to-day range support and site-readiness activities. The role does not hold flight-release, airworthiness, test-director, or airport-authority responsibility. It escalates operational issues, safety concerns, resource constraints, and external coordination needs to the Range Operations Manager.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in aviation operations, airport operations, flight test, UAS operations, military range operations, maintenance operations, logistics, or a comparable high-tempo technical environment.
• Working knowledge of aviation safety, airfield operations, weather, NOTAM coordination, aircraft ground operations, hazardous-material awareness, and operational documentation.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing test-day requirements, communicate clearly by radio and phone, and maintain disciplined records.
• Comfortable working outdoors around aircraft, fuel, GSE, high-noise operations, contractors, and changing weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate site vehicles, trailers, and approved GSE after training.
• Ability to obtain airport access credentials and pass applicable background/security requirements.
• Willingness to support nonstandard hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and time-sensitive test operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting flight-test, UAS, VTOL, military, aerospace, or airport operations.
• Familiarity with FAA NOTAM processes, airport operating procedures, and airside vehicle/access controls.
• Experience with fuel and hazardous-material handling, spill-response readiness, inventory control, vendor management, and contractor coordination.
• Current or prior training in OSHA 10/30, HAZWOPER awareness, first aid/CPR/AED, fire-extinguisher use, incident command system, or airfield-driver safety.
• Experience with Excel-based trackers, asset/inventory systems, maintenance/work-order tools, document control, and operational readiness checklists.

Responsibilities

• Open, inspect, configure, and close the range for scheduled test activity; maintain daily readiness, operating, and closeout logs.
• Verify that required NOTAMs, airport coordination, site access, weather information, safety equipment, emergency contacts, exclusion-zone controls, and operational signage are in place before testing.
• Coordinate routine daily requirements with Airport Operations, the Flight Test Director, Maintenance, Engineering, FTI, Security, suppliers, contractors, and visitors.
• Maintain the NOTAM tracker, verify active NOTAM status, retain NOTAM records, and alert the Range Operations Manager of upcoming, missing, conflicting, or expired NOTAMs.
• Monitor and maintain readiness of range vehicles, fuel, POL, consumables, towing/recovery equipment, radios, and assigned ground-support equipment; identify shortfalls and coordinate replenishment or repair before they affect planned operations.
• Coordinate fuel deliveries, vehicle servicing, range-equipment rentals, operational vendors, and contractor support required for scheduled flight-test activity; maintain status of orders, deliveries, and open operational issues.
• Conduct routine inspections of the test areas/facilities, hangar, access roads, fencing, gates, signage, lighting, storage areas, utilities, GSE, and operational support equipment; document discrepancies and track corrective actions.
• Support test-day briefs by confirming range status, weather, personnel access, emergency readiness, communications, and changes affecting the planned operation.
• Maintain range maps, emergency contact lists, site layouts, equipment inventories, supplier lists, service records, inspection records, and controlled operational templates.
• Serve as Range Safety Officer (RSO) under delegated authority from the Range Operations Manager when required.
• Support emergency-response readiness through equipment checks, contact-list verification, responder access coordination, and maintenance of recovery/spill-response resources.
• During an event, support the Range Operations Manager, Flight Test Director, and responding agencies with access control, personnel accountability, event logging, documentation, and resource coordination.
• Identify recurring operational issues and recommend practical improvements to site readiness, facilities, inventory levels, procedures, vendor support, and test-day efficiency.
• Daily range-operations positions commonly include readiness inspections, safety/access control, operational documentation, equipment issue and tracking, weather communication, range opening/closing, and emergency-response support; aviation operations Officers similarly coordinate the services, resources, documentation, and external stakeholders needed for safe operations.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed