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UAS Test Range Manager

(Direct Placement for Client)

Sigma Design has collaborated with one of the nation’s busiest and most successful unmanned vehicle test ranges for a Test Range Manager to join their facility in Pendleton, OR. This company is one of the nation’s busiest and most successful unmanned vehicle test ranges

What Is Offered:

+ $102,408-$129,024 DOE. Open to market rate for right candidate

Primary Function:

The Test Range Manager is responsible for the safe and coordinated operations of UAS at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT) and within the 14,000 square miles of approved airspace in northeast Oregon.  This is a high-impact role requiring deep flight test experience and a forward-thinking, business-minded attitude.

Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:

+ Attends staff meetings and other meetings as required.

+ Provide customer service at the department counter in the absence of support staff.

+ Attend training as needed.

+ Other duties as assigned.

+ Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.

+ 1.    Operations Management  Plans, directs and coordinates daily range operations to ensure safe and effective operations.  Provides directives and taskings to UAS Range Engineer, UAS Range Ops Specialist, and UAS Office Specialist.  Duties and taskings include, but are not limited to, scheduling; conducting and coordinating of customer arrivals and departures; mission requirement document (MRD) reviews; FRR’s; ISRB’s; range scheduling, frequency deconfliction; asset management; inventory control; reporting; COA updates; execution of range services agreements; ROM preparation (price quotes); and monthly billing.  Range manager coordinates with University of Alaska to meet requirements for test range operations.  Meets with prospective customers, complete a Mission Requirements Document (MRD), develop a ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude).  Determines equipment and manpower needs for each project and potential test flight.  Manage effectiveness, efficiency, coordination and communication regarding UAS Range operations. Authorizes schedule for customers, flights, facilities and staff.

ii.    Oversee COA submissions / process (Pen & Ink Changes)

iii.   Coordinates with UAF and other Ranges as needed

ii.    Oversees Quality Assurance inspections

iii.   Ensures all customers abide by Range User Guide and insurance requirements.

+ 2.   Safety   Responsible for establishing and enforcing all operations and safety standards.  Conducts ISRB (Independent Safety Review Board) evaluation before any test flights.  Coordinates the ARFF support with the Fire Department for test flights when required.  Develops and maintains safety policies and procedures.   Collaborates on risk mitigation and trains staff and customers on safety protocols and procedures associated with range operations.  Completes and submits accident reports, conduct accident investigation and root cause analysis.  Acts as Public Information Officer (PIO) for FAA and media inquiries.

+ 3.   Financial  Tracks customer hourly usage of equipment, manpower, and infrastructure and prepares invoicing for range services.  Assists Economic Development Director and Airport Manager with budget preparations on UAS operations.  Prepares revenue projections for forecasting purposes.  Assists Office Admin Specialist with preparation of monthly billings.  Assists with writing and managing grants associated with test range, and provides supporting documentation for required grant reports.

+ 4.   Regulatory  Establish and ensure compliance with all local, State and FAA regulations.  Tracks and reports operational activity.  Reports all operations to the UAF.  Review procedures and protocols to assess and remedy weaknesses in department operations. Oversees Airworthiness Certification Process, to include:

5.   Planning and Business Development   Collaborates with Economic Development Director to conduct strategic planning and development of short and long-range goals.  Collaborates on utilizing and maintaining the Range’s CRM database.  Drive initiatives that contribute to long-term operational excellence with a strong focus on job creation, commerce and attracting investment.  Increase regional commerce by attracting new companies and projects to the range.  Determines most efficient and effective use of Airport and range resources.  Collaborate with Economic Development and Airport to develop and enhance range services and pricing strategy.

6.   Strategic Partnerships

+ Build and maintain relationships with the local, state, and federal government agencies, including but not limited to, the FAA, DOD, State of Oregon. Stay informed on evolving UAS policy and emerging technologies to ensure range remains future-ready.  Develops strategic partnerships with OEM’s, service providers, key suppliers and mentors.  Provides expertise and guidance to the executive director of the Oregon UAS Accelerator, a state grant-funded program that provides non-dilutive capital and technical / business mentoring to two cohorts of UAS and robotic startups per year. Ensure that UAS Range, Airport, and Economic Development maintain alignment of operational priorities.  Support business development and marketing efforts through technical pre-sales support, facility tours, public presentations, tradeshow exhibiting, and proposal development.

+ 7. Management/Supervision    Ensure organizational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization's functions.  Supervises all range staff, including hiring, training, directing, and performance management including correction or discipline as needed. Maintain close and collaborative working relationships with other City departments, including but not limited to Finance, Legal, Public Works, Airport, IT, and Facilities.  Ensure that all agreed control procedures are followed in each division and/or department.

Education and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

+        Bachelor’s Degree  from an accredited college or university or 5+ years equivalent flight test experience is required.  Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Aviation; Systems Engineering; Business or aviation-related field. Prior leadership of range operations or flight test programs preferred.

+ Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience preferred

+ 5-8 years experience in managing military or civilian test ranges or working on test flight programs. Previous contracting, acquisition, and budgeting experience preferred.

+ Strong understanding of UAS test range infrastructure, airspace coordination, COA’s, and safety/risk management frameworks.

+ Strong understanding of UAS test range infrastructure, airspace coordination, COA’s, and safety/risk management frameworks.

+ Experience with program management, contract negotiation, and financial projections.

+ Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with government, regulatory, and private sector stakeholders.

+ Knowledge of advanced aviation principles and practices such as would be gained through five or more years in aviation, range management and/or flight-testing field.

+ Knowledge of airport operations, airfield driving, and ATC communications.

+ Knowledge of tools, equipment and methods needed to operate a test range.

+ Skills and ability to write Standard Operating Procedures, processes, and protocols.

+ Knowledge of and skills in project and operations management.

+ Knowledge of airport safety regulations, emergency preparedness, SMS, and risk management principles.

+ Ability to interpret and effectively apply federal, state and local operations and safety rules.

+ Ability to attract, mentor and develop personnel in a growing organization.

+ Ability to communicate effectively including speak and write clearly and concisely.

+ Ability to develop goals and prioritize, organize, and accomplish associated tasks.

+ Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making.

+ Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance to serve customers, interact with co-workers, supervisor, clients, etc., attend meetings, trainings, etc.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

+ Ability to work as a team member.

+ Ability to perform work in a manner consistent with the City’s Core Values of: Respect, Integrity, Caring, Responsibility, Citizenship, Cooperation and Industriousness.

+ Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

+ Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license.

+ Must be able to pass the department’s security clearance standards including

+ Compliance (background check, ITAR, vaccine, etc.)

+ ITAR - Permanent resident of the United States (“U.S. person” as defined by ITAR)

+ Background and drug screen - pass a post-offer background verification and drug screen.

Work Environment

Shop: Standard machine shop environment with various types of machinery. Appropriate safety garments (PPE) must be worn. Must be able to stand and work as long as 12 hours in different positions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

SigmaDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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