Job Information
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Chief of UAS Operations in Lexington, Massachusetts
Overview
The mission of the Flight Test Facility is to support research and development programs at Lincoln Laboratory by providing unique airborne test bed platforms, state-of-the-art test facilities and expert integration and flight-test risk management solutions. The Flight Test Facility currently operates eight experimentally certificated commercially derivative airborne test beds ranging in size from a small single engine Cessna to corporate jets and also oversees the Laboratory’s UAS operations. The Flight Test Facility has a history of operating larger UAS developed for the military such as the Puma and the Raven and currently all Laboratory UAS are operated by Laboratory groups and those operations are overseen by the Flight Test Facility. As the number and complexity of UAS programs at the Laboratory and the complexity of the regulations governing those operations has increased the need for greater oversight and management of those operations has been realized. The Flight Test Facility's first priority is safety of flight for all airborne operations. All flight operations are conducted by using procedures and equipment that meet or exceed all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. As a result of various past airborne testing programs, mission-specific procedures have been developed, these procedures and the Federal Aviation Regulations provide for safe, effective and successful operations. The Flight Test Facility team is comprised of a professional staff of test pilots, certified maintenance technicians, and administrative personnel. We offer a collegial work environment, value teamwork and diversity, and allow for flexible work arrangements.
Position Description
The Chief of UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) Operations will be assigned to the Flight Test Facility and act as MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s “Czar” and subject matter expert for the full gambit of UAS operations, including leading the Lab internal oversight functions of the growing UAS rapid prototype development and flight test operations. The majority of Laboratory UAS work supports Research and Development (R&D) operations for DoD, FAA, and multiple other state and federal government agencies.
The candidate will be responsible for overseeing the Laboratory Exception-To-Policy (ETP) process, developing the Laboratory UAS configuration control and airworthiness processes and provide flight test knowledge and expertise for all Laboratory UAS operations. This person will also lead the Laboratory UAS advisory committee to integrate all aspects of the Laboratory that affect the operations of UAS. In addition, the candidate will act as UAS operator during flight test sorties when required.
Requirements
B.S. in technical discipline, preferably in aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Technical Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum of 10 years’ experience with UAS operations and flight test.
Part 107 UAS pilot license required with FAA Part 61 manned aircraft pilot license highly desired.
Formal Project Management training desired.
Ability to independently research the rapidly changing UAS regulations and develop means of compliance with these regulations
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Ability to navigate rapidly changing FAA and DoD regulations for UAS operations both in the National Airspace System as well as on military ranges and to communicate those requirements to and ensure compliance by the user groups.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Excellent writing skills.
Desired Skills
UAS operator experience in a flight test or data collection role.
Experience dealing with varying technical backgrounds and regulatory agencies.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT-funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work-life balance options
... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page (https://hr.mit.edu/benefits) for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks (https://hr.mit.edu/benefits/additional) .
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
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