Position Function:
The Program Manager will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and partnership management for a university-based Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research portfolio within the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE). This program supports applied research projects, technology evaluations, and industry engagement activities aimed at advancing safe and efficient UAS/AAM integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). The Program Manager will ensure program success through coordinated planning, stakeholder engagement, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement across multiple concurrent research efforts.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
ASSURE is comprised of over 30 of the world’s leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners. ASSURE members are core to four FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, and have a multitude of UAS ranging from small drones below 55 pounds to the largest UAS at any US academic institution at 1800 pounds.
This alliance features expertise across a broad spectrum of research areas, including: Air traffic control interoperability, UAS airport ground operations, control and communications, detect and avoid, human factors, UAS noise reduction, UAS wake signatures, unmanned aircraft pilot training and certification, low altitude operations safety, spectrum management and UAS traffic management.
ASSURE possesses the expertise, experience and influence that the FAA Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems demands.
Area of Specialization:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center of Excellence (CoE)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Strategic Planning
o Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of UAS and AAM research projects in alignment with FAA priorities, ASSURE strategic goals, and industry needs
o Develop and maintain multi-year project plans, ensuring timely deliverables, resource allocation, and milestone achievement
o Integrate emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and industry trends into program planning
Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
o Serve as a liaison with the FAA, ASSURE member universities, and industry partners to coordinate research activities and technology transfer initiatives
o Build and sustain relationships with UAS/AAM manufacturers, operators, standards organizations, and government agencies to identify and prioritize applied research needs
o Represent the program at industry conferences, FAA working groups, and academic symposia
Operational & Fiscal Management
o Oversee daily program operations, including project tracking, data management, and reporting
o Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with FAA contracts, cooperative agreements, and university policies
o Prepare and submit required technical and administrative reports to the FAA, ASSURE leadership, and other stakeholders
Team Leadership & Supervision
o Recruit, supervise, and mentor program staff, research coordinators, and student assistants
o Direct workflows, manage timelines, and ensure quality control across all deliverables
o Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance work environment
Assessment & Continuous Improvement
o Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness and impact
o Solicit and analyze feedback from FAA sponsors, industry partners, and research teams to inform program enhancements
o Ensure program alignment with evolving FAA research priorities, safety regulations, and technological advancements
Other Duties
o Manage and execute other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Project Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in program or project management, preferably in aviation, aerospace research, or technical program environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working directly with the FAA, aviation industry partners, or federally funded research centers.
• Familiarity with applied research project lifecycles, technical data handling, and research dissemination.
• Experience in outreach, marketing, or partnership development within the aviation sector.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs or projects.
• Knowledge of UAS and/or AAM technologies, FAA regulations, and aviation research processes.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Experience with budget management, contract compliance, and reporting.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Standard office environment with occasional travel to FAA meetings, industry conferences, partner sites, and flight test locations.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or attend events.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
