UAS Technical Operations Supervisor

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

Salary/Position Classification

• $90,000+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND Campus

Purpose of Position

The UAS Technical Operations Supervisor provides strategic leadership to the Safety & Operations Division, aligning technical solutions, technology integration, and stakeholder engagement with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) mission, goals, and strategic initiatives. This role leads and develops a high-performing, cross-organizational team—comprising internal NPUASTS staff, external contractors, clients, and partner entities across North Dakota state and local government—to ensure the effective execution of Technical Operations objectives. This role is responsible for network and mission operations, cybersecurity, and facility management functions supporting UAS operations, including the Vantis system. The position drives standardization and scalability of UAS infrastructure across the National Airspace System by shaping industry standards, influencing UAS technical capabilities, and advancing strategic advocacy efforts.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Division Leadership and Strategic Direction:
  • Provide leadership and contribute to oversight of the Safety & Operations Division in technical operations areas, developing tactical and operational plans (1–2-year horizon) that advance network/system reliability and UAS integration.
  • Lead the creation and enforcement of applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing system administration, cybersecurity, and MNOC operations.
  • Coordinate objectives and deliverables with internal divisions and external partners including ND state agencies, clients, and contracted vendors.
  • Exercise autonomy in day-to-day management, resource allocation, and performance management decisions; escalate issues affecting multiple divisions or budgets.
  • Apply sustained mental attention to planning, systems management, and complex problem-solving.
  • Lead and mentor staff, interns, contractors, clients, and partner teams across organizations to promote collaboration, accountability, and a high-performance culture.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal staff and external partners, including FAA representatives, vendors, and North Dakota government entities, to ensure operational and strategic alignment.
  • Use active communication, influence, and strategic judgment to gain cooperation and alignment across multiple stakeholder groups with varying priorities. 
• Mission and Network Operations Center (MNOC) Oversight:
  • Direct MNOC operations to ensure network uptime, system reliability, and rapid incident resolution across mission-critical UAS systems.
  • Lead deployment, maintenance, and upgrade cycles, making decisions on priorities and corrective actions to ensure operational continuity.
  • Monitor network performance and report status to leadership, clients, FAA partners, and state agencies.
  • Collaborate with technical vendors and government partners to implement system improvements and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Requires high concentration for troubleshooting, interpreting technical data, and prolonged computer-based monitoring; may involve on-site work in operational environments.
• Cybersecurity and Network Integrity:
  • Implement and oversee cybersecurity policies, vulnerability testing, and compliance reporting in coordination with the Security Officer and state cybersecurity partners.
  • Make and enforce decisions regarding cybersecurity configurations, vendor oversight, and incident response protocols. Coordinate with ND Information Technology Department (NDIT), FAA, and contractors on secure network design and auditing requirements.
  • Analyze complex data and respond rapidly to cyber alerts or breaches; primarily office-based work requiring extended screen time and analytical focus. 
• Facility Management and Safety Compliance:
  • Oversee MNOC facility operations, ensuring maintenance schedules, vendor coordination, and compliance with safety and security requirements.
  • Lead emergency preparedness planning, drills, and corrective action implementation.
  • Manage physical access control systems, ensuring alignment with NPUASTS, NDIT, and other ND government security standards.
  • Exercise decision-making authority on maintenance priorities and vendor selection; escalate capital improvement projects as needed. 

Required Competencies

• Technical and Operational Expertise – Deep understanding of aviation systems, maintenance practices, and UAS operational requirements.
• Leadership and Team Management – Proven ability to lead technical professionals, assign priorities, and foster high performance through coaching and accountability.
• Project and Resource Management – Skilled in organizing resources, managing schedules, and aligning operational outputs with project goals.
• Regulatory and Compliance Acumen – Strong working knowledge of FAA and institutional regulations governing UAS operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Able to identify operational inefficiencies or technical challenges and develop effective, data-driven solutions.
• Communication and Collaboration – Communicates clearly with staff, leadership, and cross-functional partners; promotes coordination across programs and divisions.
• Safety and Quality Orientation – Maintains a disciplined focus on safety, risk management, and operational integrity in all activities.
• Professional Integrity and Accountability – Demonstrates reliability, ethical judgment, and ownership of outcomes in a dynamic operational environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in technical and/or aviation related field.
• 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in aviation, aerospace, UAS operations, or technically related field.
• 2+ years of management or supervisory experience leading technical or operational teams.
• Experience in coordinating complex operational or testing activities involving flight operations, data systems, or field support logistics.
• Experience in implementing and managing operational procedures, maintenance programs, or technical network systems.
• Experience working with FAA operational regulations and associated safety standards.
• Currently hold or have the ability to obtain Public Trust Certification within 120 days of hire.
• Willingness and ability to travel, work evenings and weekends and respond to emergency situations, as required.
• 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

• Experience within a UAS Test Site, or similar research/testing environment.
• Advanced experience implementing and complying with security controls and best practices outlined in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publications.
• Experience with cybersecurity policy and procedure implementation.
• Experience with maintenance program development, operational safety management systems (SMS), and configuration management.
• Experience overseeing system engineer/integrator sub-contractors or partners.