Flight Operations Tech II

Job no: 507642

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 194000 - Raspet

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Professional

Position Open Date: Apr 29 2024

Position Function:

This is the intermediate level-developing/maturing professional. Incumbents perform complex and rigorous processes within a defined framework to meet MSU, Federal/State Government and industry policy, rules and best practices. Independently evaluates, selects, and applies accepted aviation operations and safety techniques; assignments have clear and specified objectives, and require the investigation of a limited number of variables. Incumbent relies on limited experience and exercises judgment within a construct of defined procedures and practices.

Salary Grade : 16

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Mississippi State University's Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL) is a historic, nationally recognized leader in the field of experimental aviation research. Founded in 1948, Raspet stands out as one of the University's most long standing and prominently established research entities with a 70-year history of excellence. True to its heritage, today Raspet continually advances modern concepts in experimental aviation through the research, development, testing, and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their associated technologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plans, prepares, conducts and/or maintains UAS flights for Group 2 (20 lbs. - 55 lbs.), Group 3 (56 pounds - 1,320 lbs.) and Group 4 (> 1,320 lbs.) UAS in support of MSU/RFRL research goals and activities.
2. Informs key decisions to assess the flight readiness for unmanned aircraft systems valued at up to $2 million.
3. Supports compliance with applicable FAA guidance and regulations.
4. Supports the preparation and filing of appropriate FAA applications and supporting documents, including Certificates of Waiver or Authorization and Statements of Airworthiness.
5. 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.
6. Collects, records and reports UAS/aviation flight data and maintains flight records IAW FAA and MSU guidance.
7. Collects data on UAS/aviation flight operations in support of research activities.
8. Helps develop and execute flight test plans to support MSU/RFRL research objectives.
9. Supports inventories and manages facilities and equipment IAW university policies.
10. Performs essential inspection/troubleshooting/repair as required.
11. Ensures compliance with the aviation safety program and the conduct of incident/accident investigations.
12. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

B. S. Business Administration, Management, Engineering or other technical field.

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- promotions require two years at previous level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of flight operations.
2. Continues development of technical expertise and knowledge through experience and
application.
3. Ability to travel extensively for weeks at a time in field conditions to support MSU
manned and unmanned flight operations at locations across the United States.
4. Demonstrated experience in the operation and/or maintenance of Group 2 (20 lbs. - 55
lbs.), Group 3 (56 pounds - 1,320 lbs.) and Group 4 (> 1,320 lbs.) UAS.
5. Knowledge of industry-leading UAS flight control systems (e.g. Piccolo, Pixhawk)
configuration.
6. Knowledge of UAS flight control software.
7. Knowledge of UAS/aviation maintenance practices, procedures, regulations, technical
standards/orders or other applicable guidance.
8. Knowledge of applicable FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the operation of
UAS in the national airspace system.
9. Knowledge of the FAA's CoA application and reporting process.
10. Knowledge of the UAS/aviation industry, including key manufacturers, suppliers,
service providers, and integrators.
11. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer networking and programs, and computer
based systems.
12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

Monitors the work of junior staff to ensure that correct procedures are followed. Provides direction to assure completion of technical tasks and projects.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Employee is required to have and maintain an FAA Class 2 or higher medical certificate.
2. The position may require employee to work with hazardous materials. Employee is required to wear personal protective equipment.
3. Physical requirements include frequent sitting, talking, hearing, walking, and standing. Occasionally requires reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 55 pounds in a field environment.
4. Position requires exposure to, and handling of, fuel, oil/lubricants, and other material that require compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
5. Vision requirements: Must be able to maintain the vision standards for an FAA Class 2 or higher medical certificate; ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
6. Position is subject to internally and externally-imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; will involve conflict- resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:

MSU Careers Website

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised: Apr 29 2024 Central Daylight Time

Applications close: