Aviation Jobs in Austin, TX

Detailed Agenda

Do you want to be at the forefront of the next generation of transportation, helping to build a more connected future with emerging aviation technology? We are seeking an innovative and strategic Emerging Aviation Technology Coordinator to join our team and help lead our aviation innovation initiatives. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team, pioneer new technologies, and develop strategies that will transform how we build and manage transportation networks.

You will play a pivotal role in advancing our established Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program and a key partner in launching our Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Space initiatives. We need a seasoned professional who not only has deep, firsthand expertise in UAS for infrastructure, but also possesses the curiosity and drive to become an expert in the emerging fields of AAM and space infrastructure. If you have a proven track record of building and managing aviation programs and the desire to leave a lasting impact on public infrastructure, we invite you to apply.

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At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Performs advanced program management work centered on aviation innovation including leading emerging aviation technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Space and leading the department's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. Collaborates with Federal, State and local agencies to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Provides technical expertise and oversight in the implementation of UAS and AAM across the agency, public and commercial sectors and other state agencies. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies, industry professionals and other stakeholders. Reports to the Director of Emerging Technologies Section. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

• Oversees Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations with districts, divisions, and outside contractors in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Traffic Control.
• Oversees and conducts research into the possible agency uses of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) including testing and development.
• Oversees and coordinates the procurement and maintenance of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) assets.
• Develops agency standard operating procedures and recommends changes to TxDOT leadership.
• Oversees a team of pilots to provide drone services or operational support to include during natural disasters and emergencies.
• Trains, advises, and assists in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations for mapping, inspections, emergency operations, and other aerial data collection; will conduct field work using drones for a variety of projects.
• Represents the agency at industry conferences, public outreach events, internal events, boards and commissions.
• Prepares reports, briefings and supporting material.
• Researches and assesses industry trends, innovations and policy concerning Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Space industry operations, Counter UAS, and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM).
• Manages research projects with university partners; tracks results and makes strategic recommendations for aviation innovations program.
• Serves as subject matter expert on AAM and UAS capabilities and their deployment to support State DOT mission.
• Coordinates or Leads advanced air mobility infrastructure planning for state transportation networks.
• Ensures compliance with policies and regulations for both internal and external UAS usage.
• Serves as remote pilot in command (RPIC) for UAS missions.
• Oversees and manages all TxDOT pilot qualifications and training syllabus events for initial and recurrent training.
• Oversees and manages all training programs and course development in association with various university’s and or commercial training organizations.
• Serves as an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) program lead and primary trainer for less experienced staff.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 4 years of experience in developing, operating, or managing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) programs for enterprise-level applications, including infrastructure, surveying, media, or engineering, which includes at least 2 years implementing new technologies into existing operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Substitutions: Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis or related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Must possess a current FAA-Certified Remote Pilot 107 License at time of hire

Competencies:

• Applicable research and analysis methodologies
• Applicable policies and procedures
• Aviation regulations and industry trends related to UAS and AAM
• Local, state and federal laws and regulations related to AAM, UAS, Space, C-UAS and UTM
• State and federal rules and regulations governing uncrewed operations in the national airspace system
• Budget administration and overseeing contracts and contracted services
• Researching, evaluating and interpreting complex information
• Evaluating and interpreting complex information
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
• Using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Maintaining a safe working environment
• Operating drones and uncrewed aircraft safely
• Makes presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Effectively communicate in both written and oral forms
• Evaluate the suitability of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for specific mission requirements
• Coordinate efforts of internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Evaluate and research new technologies in the mobility space

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions; no effective weather protection
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Kneeling-bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
• Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• Lifting-raising objects from lower to higher position/horizontally to a different position
• Fingering-picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand
• Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information