This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $65,000+ Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: Yes

Purpose of Position

The Assistant Chief Pilot supports Chief Pilot in the tasks associated with planning, directing and coordinating the safe execution of NPUASTS flight operations. The Assistant Chief Pilot assists in the overall operation of flight activities, including but not limited to: assurance aircraft are airworthy, crew members are highly trained, and operations comply with all applicable policies and regulations. The Assistant Chief Pilot position reports directly to the Director of Operations and may supervise UAS operations support personnel.

Duties & Responsibilities

• UAS Operations Support
  • Coordinate with the Chief Pilot and Director of Operations to schedule flight test activities meeting project goals
  • Plan, direct, manage, and coordinate flight operations, at the direction of the Chief Pilot
  • Lead and ensure the safe execution of all NPUASTS flight operations, including
  • Ensure compliance with appropriate FAA regulations/approvals, NPUASTS procedures, and additional operational requirements
  • Ensure flight activities are conducted in accordance with test objectives and project requirements.
  • Ensure data collection is conducted in a timely and accurate fashion and in accordance with data reporting requirements.
  • Operate NPUASTS aircraft and/or fulfill crewmember roles, as required. 
• Division Management
  • Provide strong leadership that conveys NPUASTS commitment to highest levels of aviation and safety standards for administration, management, employees, and users of the NPUASTS.
  • Assist in task oversight of Operations Division personnel at the direction of the Chief Pilot, which may include a. Plan, direct, organize, and manage operations and project tasks of Operations Division to ensure tasks are accomplished in a timely and consistent manner with organizational or project requirements.
  • Provide mentoring and supervision of Operations Division personnel.
• Support Operational Programs, Processes, and Equipment
  • Coordinate operational personnel, field services, and logistics support for all flight operations.
  • Responsible for facilitating all matters related to the safe conduct of operation such as airspace approval, airworthiness certification, and crew qualifications.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of operation division documents, such as crewmember training outlines, operations manuals, and procedure manuals.
  • Support technical writing including, operational proposal documents, periodic reports, final project reports, and client/research proposals.
  • Ensure that Operations Division personnel have the necessary resources to perform the functions of their positions in compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Assist the Chief Pilot to plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities of Operations Division personnel. 
• Office Work/Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide high quality customer service to a wide variety of clients.
  • Support potential client calls via email and teleconferences, as required.
  • Support local, regional and state meetings and conferences, as required.
  • Stay up to date and incorporate on FAA guidance on Unmanned Aircraft.
  • Stay up to date on industry standards and other industry best practices.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to perform without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in busy office setting.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to a wide variety of clients.
• Proven ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Minimum Requirements

• Undergraduate degree.
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) License and/or manned aircraft license
• 1 year of UAS operations experience
• Experience operating under FAA waivers
• Experience with UAS operations manuals and Standard Operating Procedures
• Proficient with Office365 applications
• Willingness and ability to travel, as required.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required.
• Valid Drivers License.
• Export Control Compliance:
  This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be used in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in an aviation related field
• Experience with UAS training curriculums
• Experience with UAS maintenance programs
• Supervisory experience
• 3+ years of UAS experience.
• 50 hours of UAS flight experience
• NPUASTS operational experience
• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Experience building or configuring UAS, including Pixhawk and Ardupilot