Manager, Flight Training

AeroVironment; Erie (Erie County); Hybrid; USD 117,500 - 166,425; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, located in Erie County, is looking for a Flight Training Manager to oversee the Training program for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (MUAS) Jump20. You will supervise and develop a cohesive training team and ensure effective training operations.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in technical adult learning, strong personnel management skills, and a background in aviation. A Secret Security Clearance is required, along with the ability to travel and work flexible hours.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Training management.
• Experience in manned/unmanned aviation as an Operator or Mechanic.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop the Training program for MUAS Jump20.
• Conduct after action reports for continuous improvement.
• Assist hiring of Field Service Representatives for Training.

Skills

Technical adult learning experience

Personnel management

Project management

Customer service skills

Intermediate to advanced computer skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Relevant flight software

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Flight Training Manager (FTM) is responsible for supervising and developing the Training program to ensure effective Training operations for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (MUAS) Jump20 program and other special programs. The FTM will build rapport and collaboration with the instruction team. The Training program consists of Basic Qualification, Instructor Qualification, Refresher, and Requalification Training. The Training cycle is variable based on demand and growth. The FTM is primarily responsible for producing qualified, competent and agile operators/mechanics to support US government and other customers. The Training consists of classroom academics, simulators (both in person and remote Training), and field operations. Additionally, the FTM supports customer-facing product demonstration events for existing and potential customers as required.

Position Responsibilities

• Cultivate a professional, cohesive team environment leading to efficient and effective Training.
• Execute concurrent simultaneous phases of Training in support of multiple programs with a group of 8-15 instructors.
• Assist the Field Operations team with the hiring of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) for each class.
• Refine and develop course materials and syllabus content.
• Develop and evaluate Training budgets.
• Ensure Instructors are teaching standardized procedures.
• Conduct after action reports on Training for continued improvement.
• Ensures Training area (air and ground space) is sufficient to accommodate MUAS Operator Training Course.
• Works closely with product line management to review flight test and customer feedback for the express purpose of identifying preventative and corrective actions that will lead to a better-trained Operator/Mechanic.
• Exercises supervision in terms of costs, methods, and staffing; mentors and provides guidance to staff.
• Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent years of experience in Training.
• 5+ years of technical adult learning and education program experience.
• 5+ years of personnel management experience.
• Past experience in manned and/or unmanned aviation in either fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft as an Operator, Pilot, Flight Engineer or Mechanic.
• Broad knowledge of learning techniques.
• Proven experience of delivering high-quality learning experiences.
• Proven ability to effectively manage, lead and motivate a team.
• Project management and customer service skills to manage multiple priorities in a complex challenging environment.
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills and proficiency with office software, productivity tools and relevant flight software.
• Because of various out-of-area Training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short and long-term assignments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS.
• Clean driving record required in order to drive company vehicles.
• Active Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.
• Ability to travel up to 25% annually.
• Be able to obtain a US Passport.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experienced people leader and team player.
• Skilled at working on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.
• Be able to assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity.
• This position is required to be onsite as needed (scheduled in advance). Initially there will be flexibility in where the person holding this position lives. At a future date to be determined (expected 6 months – 1 year), it is expected for this person to relocate to California near the training office for permanent onsite responsibilities. Location of permanent training offices to be determined.

Physical Demands

• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent).
• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Frequent).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Constant).

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$117,500 - $166,425

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Compliance requires applicants to be U.S. persons or to obtain an export license. U.S. citizenship may be required for some positions.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.