Flight Operations Manager

WORK LOCATION: Huntsville, AL FLSA STATUS: Exempt SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 to $165,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

The Flight Operations Manager leads day-to-day flight operations and training execution while ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient use of personnel, platforms, and facilities. This role blends operational leadership, technical UAS expertise, and logistics discipline to scale flight operations in support of product delivery, customer training, and demonstrations. Reporting to the Flight Operations Director, the manager supervises and develops a team of UAS trainers and instructional staff, maintains oversight of flight operations assets, partners closely with Flight Standards & Evaluations manager, and drives continuous improvement across procedures, manuals, and training content.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership & Team Management Serve as the primary point of contact for daily flight operations and training execution; provide status, risks, and priorities to the Flight Operations Director. Lead, coach, and develop a team of UAS trainers and instructional staff to sustain high performance, consistency, and collaboration. Recruit, hire, and onboard new training personnel; ensure staff are equipped, trained, and supported to deliver quality instruction. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide actionable feedback, and identify development opportunities aligned to department needs. Facilitate recurring team meetings to communicate updates, align on goals, and promote continuous improvement. Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned. Training & Event Execution Plan and coordinate UAS training sessions, ensuring schedules, resources, facilities, and support equipment are aligned to demand. Assist in planning and executing internal and customer training events, including coordination of personnel, assets, and readiness requirements. Assist in planning and executing UAS demonstrations for stakeholders and clients, ensuring safe, professional, and mission-focused execution. Partner with the Flight Standards & Evaluations Manager to align training objectives, operational needs, and standardization. Asset Management & Logistics Accountability Maintain oversight of flight operations assets, including inventory control, configuration accountability, and resource allocation. Operational status tracking and readiness reporting. Transportation and deployment logistics coordination. Scheduled maintenance coordination and inspection tracking to support system reliability. Asset check-out, assignment, and return procedures for training and mission activity. Security protocols for storage, handling, and access control of UAS equipment. Flight Test & Engineering Support Conduct post-production test flights to validate system functionality and performance. Maintain accurate records of flight activity, system logs, and operational data in accordance with governing procedures. Provide operational support to the Integration Team as needed for system integration, validation, and verification activities. Contribute to improvements in product manuals, training materials, and operational procedures based on field feedback and observed outcomes. Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with the Redwire Defense Tech Flight Operations Manual and all applicable governing documents, company policies, and aviation regulations. Promote a safety-first culture by ensuring risk awareness, procedural discipline, and readiness standards across all operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience). 5+ years of experience in UAS operations, including 2+ years in a leadership role supporting training and/or operations management. Demonstrated ability to lead teams with strong communication, coaching, and organizational skills. Professional-level English reading and writing skills required to produce documentation, training materials, and operational communications. Must be highly proficient in all Microsoft Office products. Must have skilled ability to create PowerPoint briefings, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and manage day-to-day communications using Outlook and Teams. Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to diagnose and resolve UAS system issues. In-depth technical understanding of UAS technology, flight operations, and training practices. Experience supporting military aviation/UAS operations, including forward‑deployed or mission‑sensitive environments. Must hold or be eligible to obtain FAA Part 107 certification. Must maintain currency on all Redwire Defense Tech UAS products within their scope of duties. Ability to travel up to 50%, including occasional short‑notice travel for customer support, demonstrations, and field operations.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

Matching 401(k) Paid PTO Paid holidays Medical, vision, and dental insurance Group Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability HSA and FSA Options Critical Care Plan Accident Care Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a U.S. person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Employees may be required to travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may lift up to 50 pounds as needed. REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Redwire Defense Tech