FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANAGER with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Blackstone, VA seeks a Flight Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day aviation activities, mission planning, flight scheduling, and crew readiness, ensuring safe, compliant operations.

You will lead the Flight Integration and Support Team, supervise operational readiness, and maintain records, while coordinating with customers to enable demonstrations and evaluations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 7+ years aviation ops experience.
• FAA Part 107 and regulatory knowledge required.
• Experience coordinating flight schedules and crews.
• Strong risk management and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day aviation activities, mission planning and flight scheduling.
• Oversee crew readiness, aircraft utilization, and operational compliance.
• Lead the Flight Integration and Support Team and supervise training.
• Maintain records, conduct risk assessments, and support investigations.

Skills

Flight operations coordination

FAA regulations knowledge

Operational risk management

Leadership & mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Engineering, or related field

7+ years aviation operations experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Piccolo flight controllers

Job description

Flight Operations Manager

Department: Flight Operations

Reports To: Director of CONUS Flight Operations

Classification: Full-Time

Clearance: Ability to Obtain and Maintain Secret Clearance

Location: Blackstone, VA

Job Summary

The Flight Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and execution of all aviation activities at the Blackstone Facility. This role provides leadership for mission planning, flight scheduling, personnel readiness, aircraft utilization, and operational compliance while ensuring safe and effective mission execution. The position also manages the Flight Integration and Support Team, providing oversight of functional checkout flights, full mission configuration flights, customer integration activities, and operational support personnel to ensure seamless mission execution. While primarily focused on operational oversight, this position may support flight crew training and instructional activities as operational requirements dictate.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage daily flight operations activities supporting customer and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate flight scheduling, crew assignments, aircraft utilization, and mission execution.
• Ensure operational readiness of personnel, aircraft, and equipment.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and mission success.
• Maintain operational metrics and provide updates to the Director of CONUS Flight Operations.
• Conduct mission risk assessments and operational briefings.
• Ensure completion of pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operational requirements.
• Operate UAS platforms as required to support operational mission requirements.
• Modify mission plans as necessary to meet operational objectives while maintaining safety and compliance.
• Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations.
• Assist with ground and flight instruction as needed to support operational and training requirements.
• Assist with flight operation planning and authority to operate in support of internal and customer-driven requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, SAC-EC, COA, AWR, and IFC documentation.
• Contribute to the development and revision of training materials, lesson plans, and standard operating procedures.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for operational procedures and best practices.
• Manage operational staffing and schedules.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable government regulations.
• Conduct operational risk reviews and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Maintain flight, training, and operational records as required.
• Support incident investigations and corrective action efforts.
• Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Engineering, or a related field; or a minimum of 7+ years of aviation operations experience in lieu of a degree.
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA required.
• Experience coordinating flight schedules, crew assignments, and operational resources in a dynamic environment.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety programs, and operational risk management principles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations is preferred.
• Knowledge and extensive experience with Piccolo flight controllers preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, including, but not limited to, perceiving differences in wire cable colors; moving and/or lifting items such as ladders, tools, air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 50 pounds; working aloft; and climbing ladders.
• Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.

Compensation

Compensation will be based on factors including experience, education, training, job-related skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and market conditions. Salary may vary based on qualifications and work location.