Flight Research Technician
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- Lawrence, KS
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The technician will play a role in the department inventory and space control and supervise some Aerospace Engineering student helpers as appropriate.
This position also requires travel to remote locations both in the U.S. 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 software, 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
- 30% Assist in systems integration, design, manufacture and development of UAS’s
- Install, program 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
- Design electronic circuits, test systems 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 instruction 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
- 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.
- Due to U.S. export control regulations, only candidates with United States Citizenship can be considered.
- 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
- Three years of UAS piloting, flight operations and flight test support experience
- One or more years of experience in the following:
- Manned flight operations and flight test support
- Reciprocating propeller operations and testing
- Structures and materials typical to small UASs
- Wiring harnesses and connectors
- Ardupilot (Pixhawk), Paparazzi Autopilot, QGroundControl, or similar
- Teaching or mentoring
- 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
Review of applications begins June 27th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Contact Information to ApplicantsAmy Borton – aborton@ku.edu – 785-864-2960 Advertised Salary RangeCommensurate with experience Work Schedule40 hours/ week Application Review Begins27-Jun-2022 Anticipated Start Date25-Jul-2022
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
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