Aviation Safety Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Aviation Safety Specialist with extensive experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, higher education in UAS-related disciplines, and a strong background in aviation safety practices. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional aviation regulations while implementing industry-leading safety protocols for UAS operations. Reporting to the Aviation Safety Officer for A2R, this position requires a deep understanding of UAS flight operations, risk management, Safety Management Systems (SMS), and accident prevention strategies to develop and maintain safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and provide training to enhance the organization’s safety culture.

Duties/Responsibilities
• Effectively oversee and manage Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. • Perform Research, with the ability to adequately function in field operation environments with limited access.
• Ability to effectively manage a deep understanding of UAS flight operations, risk management, Safety Management Systems (SMS), and accident prevention strategies to develop and maintain safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and provide training to enhance the organization’s safety culture, with the ability to operate a variety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Work closely and collaborate with internal stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to develop policies, training programs, and risk mitigation strategies that align with best practices in UAS safety.
• Ability to present, provide training, and maintain effective communication enforcing safety standards.
• Must be able to minimally instruct others on the proper use of UAS for A2R center
• Supervise, and manage operations with the ability to quickly and properly respond to certain safety events in compliance with UAH’s SOP.
• Must be able to resolve complex issues using critical thinking skills, and data driven results.
• Create, develop, prepare and generate assigned reports, and reporting initiatives.
• Maintain professional, effective and strong relationships with UAH staff and UAH customers, internal and external constituents.
• Serve as Lead and participate in special programs and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Master's degree - preferably in science, engineering, or business, 1 - 2 years full-time work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• Must possess a higher education degree in UAS, aviation safety, or a closely related field, along with recent practical experience in UAS operations and aviation safety management.
•Must have a strong knowledge of FAA regulations, UAS operational best practices, and emerging technologies is essential, as is experience in safety audits, accident investigation, and data-driven safety analysis.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills to effectively enhance the safety framework of UAS operations.
• Must have high aptitude for the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PPT)
• Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry weight in excess of 30lbs
• US Citizenship is required (no dual citizenship)
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours outside of the normal duty day as necessary
• Must be able to follow directions and abide by doctrine outlining certain processes
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required).

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aviation Safety, Aerospace Engineering, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in aviation safety, UAS operations, air traffic management, or regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in small UAS operations within the NAS, including familiarity with FAA Part 107 regulations and emerging UAS traffic management (UTM) concepts
• Strong background in research methodologies, data analysis, and risk assessment within aviation safety.
• Strong skills in risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies for UAS operations.
• Proven ability to conduct and manage aviation safety research projects, including literature reviews, experimental design, and technical reporting.
• Excellent team collaboration skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, policymakers, and operational personnel.

$83,996 - $89,611