Research Manager - Kansas State University

About This Role:

The Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) at the Kansas State University Aerospace and Technology Campus in Salina is seeking a highly-motivated and skilled Research Manager to support unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and development activities. The Research Manager will support grant proposal development by conducting literature reviews, establishing methodologies, drafting milestones, tasks objectives, research task plan(s) and budgets as required. The incumbent may also serve as a technical lead on various research projects within their area of expertise.

The Research Manager may serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) and will support the UAS Research Program Manager to establish and validate methodologies for research proposals that will include: identification of the problem, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, interim and final report writing to meet sponsored research requirements. The incumbent may also interface with customers to identify project-specific needs and requests as directed by their supervisor. The incumbent will coordinate with stakeholders across campus towards UAS initiatives such as classroom instruction, research sessions, speaker series, and outreach to develop UAS education and training.

About Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

K-State Salina’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program within the Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC) is engaged in facilitating the commercialization of UAS. This vision led the AARC to be at the forefront of UAS research that influences and enhances UAS regulations and increases capabilities, founded on manned aviation’s culture of safety. The AARC staff is comprised of subject-matter experts, connecting with industry to provide training, consulting, collaboration and research. Centrally located in Salina, Kansas on the Aerospace and Technology Campus, we enjoy a permissive environment for access to the National Airspace System (NAS). We conduct operations as a Public entity as well as under the FAA’s newest regulations for commercial operations, 14CFR Part 107.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid and/orremote worksite. Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location and/or performed fully in a remote capacity. An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a doctor of philosophy and three to five years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Aviation, Engineering, Human Factors, Management, or a related field preferred
• Total of 7 + years’ experience in Aviation, Engineering, Human Factors research, preferably related to unmanned aircraft and the aviation industry
• Five years Program and Project Management experience
• Principal Investigator (PI) experience
• Experience in Cybersecurity or Security-Enabled Operations is desired
• UAS flight operations experience is desired
• Ability to quickly learn/keep pace in rapidly growing industry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Substantial experience writing proposals and technical reports

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of Interest
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
3. Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$80,000 – $110,000 annual, depending on qualifications