UAS Operations Specialist Lead - Internal Only

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

Salary/Position Classification

• $65,000+ 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 Operations Specialist Lead provides senior operational leadership for UAS flight operations and network-enabled operations conducted under the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. This role serves as a technical and operational lead responsible for coordinating day-to-day execution of complex flight activities, supporting project operations, and ensuring consistent application of operational procedures, safety requirements, and customer service standards.

The UAS Operations Specialist Lead bridges strategic direction from the UAS Operations Manager and Chief Pilot with real-time execution in the field and network environment. The position may provide functional or direct supervision to Operations Specialists and serves as a key escalation point for operational decision-making during flight activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operations Oversight & Execution
  • Lead and coordinate daily UAS flight operations, including VLOS and BVLOS missions, ensuring compliance with FAA approvals, NPUASTS procedures, and project-specific requirements. 
  • Serve as a senior operational authority during flight execution, supporting go/no-go decisions, risk mitigation, and operational adjustments in coordination with the UAS Operations Manager and Chief Pilot. 
  • Support and integrate Test Site operations, including coordination of network services, surveillance, communications, and system readiness. 
  • Act as a primary operational interface between flight crews, personnel, safety staff, and project teams during mission execution. 
  • Provide operational troubleshooting and decision support for complex or non-routine flight scenarios. 
• Leadership & Team Coordination 
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to UAS Operations Specialists and flight crews during planning and execution phases.
  • Assign tasks, coordinate staffing, and ensure operational coverage for scheduled activities.
  • Provide functional supervision and mentorship to UAS Operations Specialists; may conduct work reviews and provide input to performance evaluations.
  • Support onboarding and training of new operations staff, including operational procedures, MNOC coordination, and client-facing expectations.
  • Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and safety across operational teams. 
• Planning, Technical Documentation & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead or support operational planning activities, including crew qualification verification, airspace coordination, aircraft readiness, and mission documentation.
  • Ensure accurate and timely collection of flight data, operational logs, and COA or approval reporting requirements.
  • Support technical writing for operational documents including CONOPS, test cards, operational plans, risk assessments, and project reports.
  • Identify operational gaps, inefficiencies, or risks and provide recommendations to the Operations Manager for process improvement.
  • Support after-action reviews and lessons learned to improve operational performance and repeatability.
• Client Engagement and Coordination
  • Serve as a senior field representative for NPUASTS during client operations, providing clear communication, operational guidance, and issue resolution.
  • Support client briefings, operational reviews, and technical discussions related to flight execution and network-enabled operations.
  • Act as an escalation point for client operational concerns during active missions.
  • Support client coordination via email, phone calls, and teleconferences.
  • Answer client questions related to operational requirements and procedures.
  • Communicate operational constraints, risks, and expectations clearly and professionally. 
• As a UND employee, it is expected to treat one another and the public in a cordial, civil, and respectful manner and at all times, practice the principles of honesty, respect, integrity, and trust in order to respect the diversity of all peoples; communicate in a professional, positive and respectful manner; and exhibit ethical behavior. 

Required Competencies

• Operational Leadership - Ability to lead and coordinate complex flight and network-enabled operations with confidence and accountability.
• Aviation & UAS Expertise - Strong understanding of UAS flight operations, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure - Demonstrated judgment and composure when making time-sensitive operational decisions.
• Technical & Systems Awareness - Ability to understand and integrate operational technologies, including MNOC and Vantis-enabled systems.
• Team Coordination & Mentorship - Effectively guides, supports, and develops Operations Specialists and flight crews.
• Communication & Client Engagement - Clear, professional communicator with internal teams, leadership, and external clients.
• Process Discipline & Continuous Improvement - Identifies gaps, improves procedures, and supports operational consistency and scalability.
• Safety & Compliance Focus - Maintains unwavering commitment to safety, compliance, and operational integrity.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or overseeing UAS flight operations.
• 2+ years of experience in UAS operations, aviation operations, or complex operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading flight operations, including crew coordination and mission execution.
• Experience with FAA UAS regulations, operational approvals, and aviation safety practices.
• 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

• 4+ years of experience in UAS operations, aviation operations, or a closely related field.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required for RPIC duties).
• Experience operating under FAA Test Site, Beyond, or BVLOS operational frameworks.
• Experience working directly with external clients in operational environments.
• Experience supporting research, testing, or experimental flight operations.
• Experience with technical writing related to operational and safety documentation.