Director of Flight Operations

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a senior aviation operations leader to oversee safe, compliant flight operations for mission support flights. You will manage pilots, crew, and mission logistics, and develop training programs to FAA and science-mission standards.

This role also involves budget oversight and liaison with regulators. Ideal candidates hold advanced degrees with extensive PIC hours, leadership in civil government or FAA-certificated operations, and proven ability to

Qualifications

• BS/BA or MS/MA with relevant experience in aviation operations.
• Flight-hour requirements: PIC hours specified including turbine multiengine experience.
• Leadership experience in flight operations roles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, compliant flight operations for aviation missions.
• Lead pilots, crew, and operations support; manage mission logistics.
• Develop and maintain pilot training programs meeting FAA and mission standards.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and interfacing with authorities.

Education

BS/BA in relevant field, 9+ years experience

MS/MA or higher, 7+ years experience

2500+ PIC hours (airplanes)

1000+ PIC hours in turbine multiengine

300+ PIC hours in turbine multiengine with international flights

3+ years as PIC in civil government/military/FAA ops

3+ years in senior flight-ops leadership role

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.

The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning.

A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently.

The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.

The Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.

Responsibilities

Role Summary

• Reports to Aviation Operations Manager; promotes and supports the highest standards of safety for aviation and aviation-based research operations.
• Oversees manned and unmanned platforms and science missions; provides oversight of pilots, ground crew, and operations support; leads mission/logistics planning for worldwide deployments. Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Supports Challenger 850 modification/delivery as a science platform.

Core Responsibilities

• Operational control: ensure safe, efficient, and legally compliant flight operations; oversee PNNL and contractor pilots/dispatchers/crew while maintaining regulatory standards.
• Training and standardization: develop a comprehensive pilot training syllabus meeting FAA standards and science-mission standards (including sustained profiles and low-altitude operations); oversee initial/recurrent/upgrade pilot training, certification, and qualification programs.
• Science-profile procedures: develop/revise crew coordination procedures for science-specific profiles.
• SMS and safety: implement Safety Management System (SMS) to manage operational risk; serve as (and be qualified as) an Aviation Safety Officer.
• Manuals and daily execution: review/update/enforce the General Operations Manual (GOM); manage daily flight schedules, crew assignments, and dispatch operations; manage disruptions due to weather, mechanical issues, or ATC.
• External interface and business operations: act as liaison to FAA/NTSB/airport authorities as assigned; develop/manage annual flight operations budget; negotiate vendor contracts (fuel, ground handling, flight planning software) with Procurement; define hiring standards for flight crews.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience
• Flight experience: 2,500+ hours PIC (airplanes), including 1,000+ hours PIC in turbine multiengine land; 300+ PIC hours in turbine multiengine land conducting international flights.
• 3+ years as a Pilot in Command (PIC) of a multiengine airplane in civil government/military/FAA (or equivalent)-certificated commercial operations.
• 3+ years in a senior flight-ops leadership role (Director of Operations/Chief Pilot/or equivalent) in civil government/military/FAA (or equivalent)-certificated commercial operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Type rating: able to complete an FAA-approved CL-65 type-rating course and earn the type rating.
• Certificates/medical: unrestricted FAA ATP (AMEL); FAA CFI and CFII (AMEL); FAA Class II medical and ability to hold Class I (annual for international ops); hold or be eligible for unrestricted ATP for aircraft operated by PNNL.
• Government flight operations experience; special-mission modified transport-category PIC experience.
• Experience implementing/managing SMS, IS-BAO, and aviation safety programs; IS-BAO workshop completion (or ASO program graduation); GSA ICAP Federal Aviation Safety Officer certification.
• Unrestricted FAA-issued CL-65 type rating; working knowledge of aviation operations and maintenance practices; experience leading/managing an aviation unit; basic understanding of FAA modification/approval; mishap investigation, emergency preparedness, aviation safety, and human factors; knowledge of public aircraft operations regulations/standards; strong written/verbal communication (including public speaking/presentations).
• Experience conducting and supervising Part 91 ("general operating rules") flight operations.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Travel up to 25%; deployments up to six weeks.
• Physical requirements: stand up to 8 hours per day; bend, stretch, crawl, and climb ladders to access all aircraft areas.

Additional Information

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45‑minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport