Director, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (s-UAS) Program R-1823

Louisiana Tech University; Ruston (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, seeks a full-time, twelve-month s-UAS faculty member in the Department of Professional Aviation. The role oversees UAS ground and flight operations, manages schedules, records, and ensures student training meets standards.

The candidate will advise students, facilitate research with the ASSURE program, and contribute to curriculum development. Qualifications include a 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate, 3+ years UAS piloting experience, and the

Qualifications

• 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot certification.
• 3+ years of UAS piloting experience with flight maneuvers.
• Ability to apply effective instructional techniques in classroom and flight.
• Master’s degree in aviation or bachelor’s with 5+ years s-UAS experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare schedules, maintenance records, and ensure course standards are met.
• Maintain knowledge in aeronautics, UAS flight training procedures, and flight instruction.
• Accomplish additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
• Coordinate research with the ASSURE program.
• Advise s-UAS students and ensure correct number of classes completed.
• Monitor progress and inform supervisor of course issues.
• Complete required paperwork and assign final course grades.
• Initiate end of course evaluation requests and develop curriculum improvements.

Skills

Remote Pilot certification (14 CFR 107

UAS piloting experience

Instructional techniques

Team teaching capability

Education

Master’s degree in aviation

Bachelor’s degree + 5+ years s-UAS experience

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

The Department of Professional Aviation at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, twelve-month faculty within the College of Liberal Arts. The position will begin on June 1, 2025. The position manages the UAS ground and flight operation to applicable students enrolled at Louisiana Tech University. The s-UAS position requires:

Responsibilities

• Preparation of schedules, maintenance records, and ensuring that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student in each UAS flight course.
• Maintaining prominent levels of knowledge and proficiency in the areas of aeronautics, UAS flight training procedures, and flight instruction skills.
• Accomplishing additional duties assigned by the respective supervisor.
• Coordinate research and scholarly activities with the ASSURE program.
• Responsible for ensuring s-UAS students are advised for and consistently perform the correct number of classes during the academic term.
• Ensuring satisfactory progress for each student throughout the training course.
• Routinely informing your direct supervisor of course progress.
• Responsible for timely course completion of each assigned s-UAS flight student(s), including completion of required paperwork and assignment of final course grade.
• Expeditiously informing department head of any scheduling, course, or comprehension issues that may impede or disrupt the student from successfully completing the training or completing the course within the designated time frame.
• Initiating end of course evaluation requests for assigned students.
• Recommending curriculum and course improvements when appropriate and developing new curriculum or course improvements as assigned.
• Responsible for accurately maintaining all appropriate records to include training, student logbooks, student signoffs, s-UAS checkouts, s-UAS tracking information, battery cycles, etc.
• Monitoring the maintenance condition of each s-UAS in operation and inform the appropriate persons of any s-UAS aircraft maintenance discrepancy issues immediately.
• Filing safety reports as necessary on any observed safety violations, or potential situations that may affect the safety of operations.

Required Qualifications:

• 14 CFR Part 107, Remote Pilot certification
• More than three years of UAS piloting skills and experience, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional technique in the classroom and in flight.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional technique whether throughout individual instruction or in collaboration with other instructors or in a team.

Degree Requirements

Master’s degree in aviation or bachelor’s degree with five or more years of s-UAS experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) and/or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certification(s).
• Master's in aviation related field and experience with collegiate aviation accreditation through the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Additionally, there are expectations that the individual filling this position will participate in departmental, college, and university committee structures where appropriate. The individual will also be required to help with academic advising of s-UAS students, assisting with planning, development, and revision of s-UAS flight and ground school curricula. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, engaging in research and scholarly work within the guidelines of the University and other duties as required by the Unit Head.

Posting Close Date

This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

Louisiana Tech University is a member of the University of Louisiana System.

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity and ADA Employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including veterans and persons with disabilities.