Job Title
Project Manager III - Operations, Test and Evaluation (OTE)
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
Autonomy Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution
(MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54
foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time
Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly
talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and
graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the
Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of
resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to
collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member
institutions and associated agencies.
TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on
Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best
College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern,
attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support
facilities.
PURPOSE
The Project Manager III, Operations, Test, and Evaluation (OTE)
manages the planning, coordination, and execution of complex
projects conducted by the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in
support of governmental and private sponsors. Responsibilities
include developing test plans and operational requirements,
managing timelines and deliverables, coordinating range services,
and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to meet
strategic goals. The position supports both scientific research and
operational testing efforts led by ARI and its partners.
The Project Manager III (PMIII), Operations, Test, and Evaluation
(OTE) is an operations-focused leader responsible for managing
complex research and test projects while leading multidomain
operational teams across air, land, water, and space environments.
The PMIII, OTE serves as the primary interface between project
stakeholders and ARI operational crews, oversees project execution
and resource allocation, supports long-term operational planning,
and serves as the deputy to the Project Director, OTE.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management: 40%
- Plan, coordinate, and lead periodic project meetings with
stakeholders to support research and operational activities.
Develop, implement, and monitor project schedules, priorities,
performance standards, and operational milestones. Assist in the
development and implementation of ARI goals and provide ARI support
to the University's Strategic Plan.
Coordinate with internal and external partners to plan,
schedule, and execute research and operational activities while
ensuring contractual requirements and project deliverables are
achieved.
Prepare project plans including budget, timelines, resources,
goals, and deliverables.
Ensure industry best practices are applied through vendor
selection, contract administration, project execution, and
closeout.
Lead short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives while
monitoring execution, performance, and outcomes of assigned
research and operational projects.
Coordinate test operations activities with the ARI OTE
Department.
Manage project portfolios in alignment with ARI strategic
objectives and established project management standards.
Operations: 40%
- Direct operational tasking of ARI domain chiefs and personnel
to support mission requirements on behalf of the Project Director,
OTE.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and operational direction to
assigned personnel while supporting workforce development, mission
readiness, and operational excellence.
- Represent the Project Director, OTE during meetings, customer
engagements, operational planning sessions, and mission execution
activities in their absence or as delegated.
- Coordinate with the Project Manager, Infrastructure, and ensure
operational readiness of the ARI Downtown Mission Control Center
(MCC) and the Flour Bluff ARI MCC.
- Test and inspect MCC equipment and notification systems to
ensure operational readiness and reliability.
- Oversee MCC operations during planned events and mission
execution.
- Lead the planning and execution of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(UAS) and other domain-specific missions and testing programs,
ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
regulations and expanding operational capabilities into emerging
fields of autonomy.
- Serve as Mission Commander (MC) and operational lead by
directing the activities of a range of services personnel and
multidisciplinary project teams.
- Monitor activities being performed, either directly or through
assigned personnel, to ensure compliance with the approved project
or test plan.
- Analyze and integrate test results, operational findings, and
project outcomes to support technical reporting and future
planning.
- Coordinate with ARI's Safety Office to support the development
and implementation of safety and standardization programs that meet
regulatory and internal quality standards.
- Direct the allocation of personnel, equipment, and project
resources to meet mission requirements and ongoing operational
commitments.
Coordinating Activities: 20%
- Monitor project performance, evaluate operational
effectiveness, and recommend strategic improvements to enhance
organizational capabilities.
- Coordinate with industry, government, and corporate partners
while serving as both prime and subcontractor on behalf of
ARI.
- Coordinate with the Sponsored Research Services (SRS) office,
part of the Division of Research & Innovation (R&I) at
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) as
necessary.
- Coordinate project budgeting, financial planning, and resource
forecasting with the Assistant Director, Finance.
- Manage project resources, staffing assignments, equipment
utilization, and operational priorities to maximize mission
effectiveness.
- Conduct after-action reviews and safety audits for continuous
improvement, incorporating findings into updated processes and best
practices.
- Implement, monitor, review, and revise project management
policies and standard operating procedures.
- Actively guide and support departmental initiatives, resolve
cross-functional challenges, and drive operational
excellence.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting within
enterprise project management systems.
- Prepare executive briefings, technical reports, after-action
reviews, and project documentation for internal leadership and
external sponsors.
- Supervise staff and/or student workers as assigned.
- Safely operates university vehicles/machinery.
- Perform and assist with other job-related duties as
required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in applicable field
- Seven (7) years of related experience
- Additional education may be considered as substitution for the
minimum experience qualifications:
- Master's degree in applicable field, and five (5) years of
related experience; OR
- Doctoral degree in applicable field, and three (3) years of
related experience
- Maintain a Valid Driver's License
- Experience managing complex projects through planning,
execution, monitoring, and closeout, including responsibility for
schedules, budgets, resources, milestones, and deliverables
- Experience planning and coordinating research, testing,
aviation, UAS, or other multidomain operational activities
- Experience coordinating personnel, equipment, facilities, and
operational resources to meet project and mission
requirements
- Experience developing and implementing project plans, test
plans, standard operating procedures, performance standards, or
operational processes
- Experience working with government agencies, research sponsors,
industry partners, contractors, or other external
stakeholders
- Experience preparing technical documentation, executive-level
reports, project briefings, or after-action reviews
- Knowledge of project and program management principles,
including planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation,
risk management, performance monitoring, and project closeout
- Knowledge of operational planning, test and evaluation
activities, mission execution, safety requirements, and applicable
regulatory standards
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- High level of articulation and professionalism
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Critical thinking and proactive problem solving
- Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for
improvement
- Ability to either work in a team environment or independently
with minimal guidance
- Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time
effectively
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects while balancing
competing priorities, deadlines, resources, and operational
requirements
- Ability to lead professional staff, multidisciplinary teams,
operational personnel, and project stakeholders
- Ability to travel up to 20% for position-associated missions
and training sessions
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and occasionally work outdoors
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Business Administration or related
field
- Eight (8) years or more of progressively responsible experience
in project management, program management, test and evaluation,
aviation operations, UAS operations, research operations, or a
related field
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or an
equivalent project or program management certification
- Graduate of a Military Aviation Safety Officer Course, FAA
Safety Investigation Program, or an equivalent aviation safety
program
- Airline, commercial, or military pilot experience
- Experience developing, implementing, or managing flight crew
training, standardization, and evaluation programs
- Experience serving as a mission commander, test director,
operations lead, or similar role during complex operational
activities
- Experience applying FAA regulations, airspace requirements, and
operational safety procedures
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate or another relevant aviation
credential
SALARY: Up to $7,000.00 Monthly ($84,000.00 Annual,
Approximately)
NOTE:
Due to federal law on deemed export controls/ITAR
compliance, it is not possible to petition for work visa
sponsorship. Applicants must be a U.S. persons.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
From our generous benefits package
and professional development opportunities, to our retirement
programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island
University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.
INSURANCE:
- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university
contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability,
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER
PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS
OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life
Solutions:
- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and
Legal Resources
Tuition
Benefits:
- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year
(other rules may apply).
Retirement:
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement
Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time
Off:
- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a
criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon
the institution's verification of credentials and/or other
information required by the institution's procedures, including the
completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
To apply, visit https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/job/Corpus-Christi-TX/Project-Manager-III---Operations--Test-and-Evaluation--OTE-_R-095455-1
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