Flight Operations Standards & Evaluations Manager

WORK LOCATION: Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 to $157,700 per annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

The Flight Operations Standards & Evaluations Manager is responsible for building, maintaining, and implementing Flight Standards and Evaluations programs. This role oversees the development and execution of operational standards and evaluation processes to ensure safe, compliant, and mission-ready small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) flight and ground operations.

This position works closely with the Flight Operations Manager, engineering, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to ensure operational procedures and evaluations accurately reflect current product capabilities, regulatory requirements, and best practices. The Manager ensures operator proficiency across all aspects of sUAS operations while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive operational standards, procedures, and best practices for sUAS flight and ground operations.
• Ensure alignment of operational procedures with FAA and DoD regulations (e.g., Part 107, BVLOS, waivers) and company policies.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with FAA and DoD regulations, industry standards, and internal safety requirements.
• Maintain and update operations manuals, training materials, and evaluation documentation to reflect regulatory changes, technological advancements, and operational feedback.
• Incorporate risk management, emergency procedures, payload integration, and data collection methodologies into training curricula.
• Manage and oversee pilot, instructor, and ground crew certification, qualification, and currency programs.
• Conduct flight evaluations and performance assessments to ensure technical proficiency and mission readiness.
• Develop and administer evaluation criteria for safety compliance, technical proficiency, and mission readiness.
• Ensure all flight and ground operations adhere to established safety procedures and risk mitigation protocols.
• Capture, analyze, and document operational data for after-action reports and lessons learned.
• Provide operator feedback to engineering teams to support system design improvements and capability enhancements.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to integrate advanced technologies and best practices into flight operations.
• Ability to travel as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing compliance documentation, operations manuals, and internal training programs.

• 5–10 years of experience delivering customer-facing presentations and technical or programmatic updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Significant experience working with DoD customers, with strong understanding of operational environments and potential tactical applications.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with minimal structure or direction.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret clearance.
• FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills, with the ability to use data and metrics to support decisions and recommendations.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering or operations teams to successful project completion.
• Military experience.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.