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 skills to fabricate fixed-wing remote controlled aircraft parts, integrate propulsion and electrical systems and support flight test operations (including teaching and mentoring students). Exceptional candidates will have prior experience in remote controlled piloting, UAS ground stations and software, and a detailed knowledge of U.S. airspace regulations. Candidates without such prior experience or knowledge must commit to such training in the six months of employment. The employee will also be responsible for maintaining and ensuring safety and security in departmental labs (e.g hangars, propulsion and avionics labs) and aircraft. 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.
Restrictions: Due to U.S. export control regulations, only candidates with United States Citizenship can be considered.
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.
Restrictions: Due to U.S. export control regulations, only candidates with United States Citizenship can be considered.
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 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
- 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.)
- Install and test wiring harnesses
- Paint and finish equipment
- Test and/or program avionics systems
- Assist with program and task management, particularly when supported to oversee meeting deliverables in externally funded research
- Assist with instruction to students on laboratory ground testing, particularly in propulsion
- Provide active mentoring in experiential learning
- Support students in their research and education
- Develop and monitor compliance for flight, equipment, security and safety training
- 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
- High school/GED and 1 year related experience OR Associate’s degree.
- 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 or more years of experience in flight operations and flight test support.
- One or more years of experience with reciprocating propeller operations and testing.
- One or more years of experience with structures and materials typical to small UASs.
- Experience with applications of FAA Certification of Authorization, FAA Part 107 Certification of Waiver.
- Manned aircraft piloting license.
Additional Candidate Instructions
Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes online application form, resume, cover letter, names and contact information for three professional references.
To ensure consideration, please apply before January 10, 2024.
To ensure consideration, please apply before January 10, 2024.
Contact Information to Applicants
Amy Borton
aborton@ku.edu
785-864-2960
aborton@ku.edu
785-864-2960
Advertised Salary Range
$57,000-$66,000
Work Schedule
M-F 8-5
Application Review Begins
Friday January 24, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Monday February 17, 2025