Site sUAS Program Manager, Kadena Air Base

TEPA Companies•Okinawa, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tepa Companies are seeking a Site sUAS Program Manager to work onsite to develop and administer a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) program for the United States Air Force (USAF) at Kadena Air Base Okinawa, Japan. This role supports the Kadena AB sUAS Program with day-to-day operations with the longer-term objective of effectively integrating sUAS into all relevant mission areas and institutionalizing common sUAS infrastructure and operational capabilities. The Site sUAS Program Manager is responsible for program administration to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, scope and client satisfaction. This role establishes functional and technical requirements for each phase of the program/project(s) in accordance with 18th Wing objectives and guidance, and is also responsible for identifying and resolving project performance, complying with all Tepa and client project management policies and procedures, managing, deadlines and deliverables, and executing projects per executed agreements. This role also participates in proposal writing, resource planning, contract reviews, and client and subcontractor relationship management. While not a sales role, this role is key to obtaining customer satisfaction, growing customer relationships, and expanding our business opportunities with our clientele. Develop and manage an sUAS Program for the United States Air Force at Kadena Air Base (18th Wing).

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, Engineering, Information Technology, Aviation or related field or equivalent US Air Force, or other DoD experience
Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA under Part 107 or USAF BUQ 1 and 2 training (or ability to obtain it) and previous DoD/USAF experience in program management, drone operations, or aviation
4+ years of experience navigating and operating under USAF policies, systems, command structure, etc., or equivalent experience within the DoD
Previous development, implementation, and curation of training content/ Training program oversight
Experience managing highly technical projects such as sUAS-based GIS data/imagery acquisition and conversion
Experience training others on the use of sUAS, policies related to sUAS, geospatial data acquisition and processing, and navigating USAF or DoD polices and systems
Experience with regulatory approvals. i.e. AAA COA
Ability to pass any/all applicable background checks to obtain a common access card (CAC) for USAF installation access privileges and AF Non-secret Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) access, which typically requires proof of US Citizenship and a background check
Familiar with base level air staff organization and how to effectively communicate technical and operational information with staff at the installation level
Part 107 sUAS licensed, BUQ1 and BUQ2, (or ability to quickly obtain it) and familiar with Part 107 and Part 91 rules and sUAS operations
Familiar with sUAS technology, capabilities, and USAF Policy including DAFMAN 11-501 and 11-502
Knowledgeable of sUAS flight safety procedures and risk mitigation measures
Able to develop and manage a detailed CONEMP
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adjust terminology and tone for a variety of different types of audiences
Ability to prioritize, manage and execute required tasks to meet multiple stringent schedule deadlines
Solid understanding of business analysis techniques and processes
Ability to work with various departments and client personnel to facilitate the orderly execution of project plans

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in increasingly advanced sUAS/geospatial/GIS technical leadership positions
Experience both performing and leading sUAS activities on Air Force installations
Experience standing up a Program Management Office
Imagery acquisition or sUAS Consulting experience

Responsibilities

Leverage significant experience with USAF and/or DoD while implementing and managing the sUAS program
Leverage highly specialized experience and technical skills to execute the existing sUAS program in its current, developing, as-is state while identifying strategic opportunities for improvement in preparation to redesign and significantly improve the program
Support sUAS program architecture development, coordinate mission integration, and provide program office support including coordination of CONEMP updates, training activity, and supporting the sUAS Working Group
Manage concurrent project activities, client(s), and project staff
Secure project specifications, and task schedule coordination
Coordinate, lead, and participate in project and technology related meetings and conference calls, including high-level strategic briefing for senior leaders
Oversee and prepare monthly sUAS Program execution activity reports with a log of activities performed according to government process and requirements
Provide quarterly update briefing to Kadena Air Base Senior Leaders and/or HQ PACAF, 5th Air Force.
Prepare and provide meeting agendas and minutes, technical white papers, briefings, point papers, etc.
Contribute to team efforts by taking ownership of assigned tasks and duties, and be both fully transparent and accountable for the successful performance of assigned tasks.
Perform all duties with the highest possible degree of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.
Focus particular attention on developing and maintaining client relationships and ensuring client satisfaction through the production of superior quality deliverables that meet or exceed client expectations.
Develop, outline, and diagram work processes and procedures for program sustainment and continuity.
Provide well-informed input into teaming discussions, marketing activities, and sales strategies for the types of projects, clients, and markets they specialize in managing.
Work with project manager to resolve payment of invoices, gain acceptance of deliverables and other business necessities related to the management of their projects.
Travel to host nation and US Forces Installations as needed.
Other duties as assigned.