WASS Operations Lead - 28974

Requisition Number: 28974
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $143,088.00 - $170,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Management HI

Summary

HII – Mission Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Operations Manager to support the Department of State’s INL/A Air Wing aviation mission conducted across multiple global locations. The Operations Manager provides direct oversight of aviation flight operations, mission planning, operational execution, aircrew training coordination, and implementation of flight procedures for a mixed fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing fleet operating in austere, dynamic, and sometimes hostile environments. Primary program operations oversight will be conducted from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, with regular travel to OCONUS sites in support of INL/A mission requirements. The ideal candidate has extensive global operations experience, deep understanding of U.S. Government and international aviation standards, and a demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multinational teams in complex mission environments.

What You Will Do

• Direct, supervise, and coordinate aviation flight operations activities across all assigned CONUS and OCONUS locations in accordance with INL/A directives and applicable regulations.
• Manage day‑to‑day operational planning, mission scheduling, mission execution, and post‑mission analysis for fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft supporting missions such as interdiction, aerial eradication, border security, logistics support, PR/MEDEVAC, and other aviation activities.
• Establish and maintain aviation expertise within key operational positions to ensure mission readiness, flight standardization, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate closely with USG, Senior Aviation Advisors, Aviation Operations Directors, and other associate contractors to ensure unified planning, de‑confliction, and execution of aviation missions.
• Oversee aircrew training, qualification tracking, and compliance with INL/A Flight Training Manual, GATS, Operations Directives and applicable aircrew certification standards.
• Implement and enforce operational procedures, flight standards, crew rest policies, and mission authorization processes in alignment with INL/A aviation requirements.
• Support force protection planning and compliance with RUF, operational security standards, and safety management requirements.
• Maintain operational readiness of deployed teams and ensure coverage for surge operations, contingency operations, and emergent mission tasking as directed by INL/A.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting, record‑keeping, and documentation of all operational activities, including serious incident reporting within prescribed timelines.
• Collaborate with maintenance, logistics, and safety organizations to ensure operational aircraft availability, proper coordination of maintenance windows, and sustainment of mission capability.
• Provide recommendations for operational improvements, capability enhancements, and strategic planning initiatives aligned with INL/A goals.

What We Are Looking For

• 8 years relevant progressive experience with a Bachelor’s degree in related field; 6 years with a Master’s degree; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 12 years relevant progressive experience.
• FAA Commercial and Instrument Airman’s Certificate – Airplane SEL.
• Branch 15 Aviation MOS or commercial/military equivalent.
• 9–12 years of management and operational experience with mixed rotary and fixed‑wing fleets.
• Minimum 2,000 hours total flight time with demonstrated knowledge of aerial application operations.
• Demonstrated professional experience within international operating environments such as Central/South America, Middle East, and Caribbean regions.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Outstanding ability to coordinate mission execution across dispersed CONUS and OCONUS sites.
• Proven operational leadership experience involving mixed aircraft fleets and international mission environments.
• Strong understanding of U.S. and international aviation compliance frameworks (ICAO, AR 95‑20, FMR 102‑33, FAR Part 14, INL/A flight directives).
• High proficiency in aircrew resource management, mission planning, flight standards, and operational safety programs.
• Ability to rapidly adapt to changing mission requirements and operate effectively under high operational tempo.
• Experience interfacing with senior government officials, host nation counterparts, and multi‑agency coordination cells.

Salary and Benefits

Estimated salary range: $143,088.00 – $170,000.00. HII offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, 401(k) savings plan, financial planning tools, life insurance, employee discounts, paid holidays and paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.