Drone Park Operations and Training Manager
Job Description
The Virginia Tech Drone Park is managed by the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) and is focused on providing the resources to promote faculty, commercial and government research, student coursework in design, build, and fly subjects and student recreation/competition while also serving as an educational and outreach resource for drone-related areas of the university and the industry. The Virginia Tech Drone Park staff also works closely with the Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership, which is both a designated FAA Test Site and an FAA Beyond Program participant, helping lead the way in the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.
ICTAS is seeking an Operations and Training Manager whose primary responsibility is to manage the day-to-day operations of Virginia Tech's Drone Park, a netted flight facility for unmanned aircraft, and associated labs. The Operations and Training Manager will also develop, instruct, and update short course training curriculum for groups both internal and external to the university. This curriculum will include topics ranging from introductory to highly specialized operations of UAS. The Operations and Training Manager will be responsible for safe, effective, and efficient piloting of UAS; acting as crewmember and/or instructor for UAS operations; and may be called upon to provide technical support for UAS research and funding opportunities within university and college initiatives and to serve on graduate student committees when appropriate.
The incumbent is expected to exercise sound decision making and problem-solving skills while interacting with internal and external UAS operators and training customers. The incumbent should be able to independently and effectively manage UAS research and training operations in diverse situations and field environments. The position reports to the ICTAS Director of Facilities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Drone Park facility management and scheduling
• Serve as a Flight Instructor for various small UAS
• Acting in various other UAS crewmember roles including Pilot-in-Command (PIC), Visual Observer (VO), and Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)
• Development and sustainment of UAS training courses and curriculum
• Maintenance of University training records
• Participate in university Safety Risk Management (SRM) processes
• Support crew certification and training programs
• Assist in flight operations and training scheduling
• Serve as a supporting university representative for official visits, presentations, and outreach for UAS topics
• Act as an aviation subject matter expert and resource for faculty, staff, students, and university affiliates
• Maintain the university flight training fleet through preventative maintenance and basic modifications/ repairs
• Perform and supervise ground and flight instruction in accordance with all applicable regulations and University policy
• Conduct pre-mission planning, evaluation and briefings
• Complete post mission requirements, reports and logging
• Contribute to safety, training, technical, and operations documentation
Required Qualifications
- Master's Degree in an aviation or technical related field. An exception can be made for a Bachelors Degree in a related field with significant training and experience and FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or ability to attain the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate upon hire.
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be able to effectively communicate
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an instructional environment.
- Extensive aviation background and knowledge.
- Proficient RC flying skills.
- Experience with curriculum development
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience, starting at $82,256
Review Date
November 18, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
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