Position Function:
Flight Operations Technician I
This is the entry level of professional work. Incumbents perform routine flight operations support work, applying established processes within a defined framework to meet MSU, Federal/State Government and industry policy, rules and best practices. Assignments require investigation of a limited number of options and work must be reviewed and approved by fully qualified Flight Operations Technicians. Assignments are highly defined and of reduced complexity. Limited exercise of judgment is required on details of work and in ensuring compliance with applicable guidance making preliminary selections and adaptations of alternatives. For training and development purposes, assignments may include some work that is typically of a higher level.
Flight Operations Technician II
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.
Flight Operations Technician III
This is the fully competent professional, independent Flight Operations Technician level and may be an entry level for someone who has experience related to area of specialization in addition to the required B.S. degree. Plans and prepares for all facets of flight operations and flight test activities, including test planning, safety planning, aircraft and pilot selection, and contingency/recovery planning. Responsible for ensuring selected aircraft are airworthy, equipped, appropriately configured/maintained for safe flight operations, and compliant with Federal and MSU regulations and policies. Responsible for ensuring training currency and qualification of Flight Operations Technicians under his/her supervision. Capable of working independently and without direction on assigned tasks/projects. Plans and conducts work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Uses a wide application of complex principles, processes and practices in aviation management. Works with government and commercial customers to identify objectives, create flight test and/or flight operations plans, determine aircraft/equipment requirements, schedule aircraft/personnel/other resources, develop test and safety plans, and prepare proposals. Manages flight test/flight operations and works with engineers, program managers and other technical staff to monitor progress and to ensure flight operations activities are in compliance with Federal/MSU aviation and safety regulations. Works on complex problems of diverse scope where technical, schedule, and safety risks may be moderate to high. Project results may impact MSU research mission; results are visible/impactful in peer community. Requires sufficient professional experience to assure competence as a fully functional Flight Operations Technician.
Salary Grade: 15
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:
Flight Operations Technician I
1. Assists in the planning, preparation, conduct and/or maintenance of 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. Prepares unmanned aircraft for flight readiness IAW established checklists and procedures.
3. Supports compliance with applicable FAA guidance and regulations.
4. Assists in achieving compliance with MSU UAS flight operations and/or maintenance guidance including operating procedures, checklists, technical orders, OEM guidance and reporting requirements for Group 2/3/4 UAS.
5. Collects, records and reports UAS flight data and maintains UAS flight records IAW FAA and MSU guidance.
6. Assists in collecting data on UAS flight operations in support of research activities as directed.
7. Assists in the preparation and execution of flight test plans to support MSU/RFRL research objectives.
8. Supports inventories and manages facilities and equipment IAW university policies.
9. Performs minor inspection/troubleshooting/repair as directed.
10. Performs related duties as assigned.
11. Interacts in a collaborative manner with other team members to accomplish organizational goals.
12. Provides ideas to improve efficiency at group level.
Flight Operations Technician II
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.
Flight Operations Technician III
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. Assesses and approves the flight readiness for unmanned aircraft systems valued at up to $2 million.
3. Ensures compliance with applicable FAA guidance and regulations.
4. Prepares and files applications, detailed technical information and analyses to support FAA flight authorization approvals, including Certificates of Waiver or Authorization and Statements of Airworthiness.
5. Develops and ensures compliance with MSU flight operations and/or maintenance guidance, operating procedures, checklists, 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. Liaises with Federal (FAA), state and local aviation authorities.
8. Determines data requirements and collection methods, and coordinates with MSU/RFRL external research partners, contractors and vendors to collect data on UAS/aviation flight operations in support of research activities.
9. Develops, approves and executes flight test plans to support MSU/RFRL research objectives.
10. Supports inventories and manages facilities and equipment IAW university policies.
11. Performs and approves essential inspection/troubleshooting/repair as required.
12. Ensures compliance with the aviation safety program and the conduct of incident/accident investigations.
13. Conducts tours, demonstrations, and presentations in support of university public relations, marketing and business development.
14. Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Flight Operations Technician I
Education
B. S. Business Administration, Management, Engineering or other technical field. May substitute four years’ experience as a professional pilot or maintainer of manned or unmanned aircraft for education.
Experience
At least one year of experience as a professional pilot or maintainer of manned or unmanned aircraft. At least one of the following FAA licenses: UAS Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic.
Flight Operations Technician II
Education
B. S. Business Administration, Management, Engineering or other technical field. May substitute four years’ experience as a professional pilot or maintainer of manned or unmanned aircraft for education.
Experience
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—requires two years at previous level or equivalent
Flight Operations Technician III
Education
B. S. Business Administration, Management, Engineering or other technical field
Experience
Four 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– requires two years at previous level or equivalent
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Flight Operations Technician I
1. Demonstrated experience in the operation of UAS.
2. 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.
3. Knowledge of UAS flight control systems and concepts.
4. Knowledge of applicable FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the operation of UAS in the national airspace system.
5. Knowledge of the UAS industry, including key manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and integrators.
6. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer networking and programs, and computer-based systems.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Supervisory Responsibility
None. Collaborates with peers, technicians, or other support staff as necessary to achieve specific assignments.
Flight Operations Technician II
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.
Flight Operations Technician III
1. Has established technical expertise.
2. Possesses and applies a comprehensive knowledge of flight operations planning and management techniques to the completion of complex assignments.
3. Ability to write complex program/project aviation test plans, concepts of operations (CONOPS), project proposals, and ensures compliance with applicable guidance and technically-complex process/documentation requirements.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Knowledge of industry-leading UAS flight control systems (e.g. Piccolo, Pixhawk) configuration.
7. Knowledge of UAS flight control software.
8. Knowledge of UAS/aviation maintenance practices, procedures, regulations, technical standards/orders or other applicable guidance.
9. Knowledge of applicable FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the operation of UAS in the national airspace system.
10. Knowledge of the FAA’s CoA application and reporting process.
11. Knowledge of the UAS/aviation industry, including key manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and integrators.
12. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer networking and programs, and computer-based systems.
13. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises Flight Operations Technicians, including pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other technical-level staff. May supervise several Flight Operations Technicians on assigned work; provides major input to staffing of overall project teams; builds teams and staff to optimize efficiency and cost effectiveness. Identifies and evaluates candidates for open positions; mentors/trains staff in development of technical, project, and business development skills.
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: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
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.
