Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) Research Technician

Position Overview:

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas is seeking applications for a Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) research technician with broad skills related to education and flight research of manned and unmanned aerial systems (UASs). The successful candidate will have a detailed knowledge of U.S. airspace regulations, skills to fabricate UAS parts and integrate propulsion and electrical systems, the ability to support UAS operations (including teaching and mentoring students), and knowledge of working with UAS ground stations and software. The employee will also be responsible for maintaining and ensuring safety in departmental labs (e.g Propulsion and Avionics Lab) and testbeds. The technician will play a role in the department inventory and space control, and will supervise some Aerospace Engineering students as appropriate.

This position also requires travel to remote locations both in the US and overseas no more than twice in a 12-month period, with sites including polar regions (e.g. Greenland and Antarctica) for which medical clearance from the granting agency (e.g. NSF, NASA) is required.

Due to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR) this position requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. citizen.

Job Description
30% Support all flight education and research activities
* System readiness
* Perform systems inspections, including wiring, propulsion, avionics and flight mechanics systems
* Develop ground test documents, conduct ground test experiments and collect/document relevant information
* Assist students and faculty advisors in the design, manufacture and operation of experiments, devices, and prototypes
* Assist with program and task management, particularly when supported to oversee meeting deliverables in externally funded research
* Flight operation
* Develop test flight test documents, supporting research and educational goals
* Coordinate with flight test team, pilots, FAA, FCC, other agencies and test sites
* Maintain applications of FAA Certification of Authorization, FAA Part 107 Certification of Waiver, and all related reporting
* Coordinate logistics of flight tests
* Prepare flight test team for operation including spare parts lists, hardware and software required for flight tests, and ensuring flight test team tasks are appropriately delegated and overseen for progress to task
* Flight test operation
* Actively engage in achieving research and educational flight test goals and enforce safety requirements/standards

30% Assist in systems integration, design, and manufacture and development of UAS's
* Install and test servos and actuators
* Install and test avionics (e.g. IMU, autopilot, GPS, pitot tube, etc.), and propulsion systems
* Assemble and fabricate aircraft parts (e.g. wings, fuselage, etc.)
* Fabricate, assemble, install and test wiring harnesses
* Paint and finish equipment
* Test and program avionics systems
* Assist with program and task management, particularly when supported to oversee meeting deliverables in externally funded research

20% Direct student support
* Prepare and deliver instructions to students on technical materials
* Provide active mentoring in experiential learning
* Support students in their research and education
* Develop and monitor compliance for flight, equipment, security and safety training
* Assist in instruction, lectures and laboratories of AE classes, including but not limited to developing and performing demonstrations, developing multimedia and technology resources for classes, collecting data, and leading hands-on labs

20% Develop and maintain labs, including but not limited to propulsion lab, avionics lab, and all related hangar facilities
* Manage equipment, including organizing, maintaining, and troubleshooting current equipment and requisitioning new equipment and supplies as needed
* Maintain instruments and equipment, including equipment in the propulsion lab, avionics lab, and machine shop
* Coordinate with IT professionals to maintain FRL computers and networks
* Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate one or several aerospace engineering students
* Develop systems for lab usage as needed

Position Requirements:
This position requires travel to remote locations both in the US and overseas no more than twice in a 12-month period, with sites including polar regions (e.g. Greenland and Antarctica) for which medical clearance from the granting agency (eg NSF, NASA) is required.

Required Qualifications:
* U.S. citizen due to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR)
* High school/GED and 5 years related experience OR Associate's degree with 3 years related experience OR Bachelor's degree with 1 year of related experience
* Current FAA remote pilot certificate with a UAS rating, or commitment to complete certificate within first 90 days of employment
* Strong written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials, work history, and/or educational pursuits

Preferred Qualifications:
* Three years of UAS piloting, flight operations and flight test support experience
* One year experience in manned flight operations and flight test support
* One year experience with reciprocating propeller operations and testing
* One year experience with structures and materials typical to small UASs
* One year experience with wiring harnesses and connectors
* One year experience with Ardupilot (Pixhawk), Paparazzi Autopilot, QGroundControl, or similar
* Experience with applications of FAA Certification of Authorization, FAA Part 107 Certification of Waiver
* Previous project management experience, leadership training, or site lead experience is highly desired
* Manned aircraft piloting license
* Knowledge of or experience with sensor selection and integration, and data collection/conditioning in lab settings
* Knowledge of or experience with aerospace avionics and communications systems
* Programming experience in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, Linux/Ubuntu, SSH, Robotic Operating System (ROS), or similar
* One year experience teaching or mentoring

Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete online application includes:
* Resume/CV
* Cover letter describing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
* Names and contact information for three professional references.
* Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, August 19, 2024 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received. For first consideration apply by the review date above.

This posting has been extended through November 1, 2024.

Contact Information to Applicants:
Amy Borton
aborton@ku.edu
785-864-2960

Advertised Salary Range: $55,000;commensurate with experience
Work Schedule: M-F 8-5
Application Review Begins: Saturday November 2, 2024
Anticipated Start Date: Monday November 4, 2024

If interested, please apply: https://employment.ku.edu/jobs/staff/flight-research-laboratory-frl-research-technician/28570br

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