Job Description
Airspace Sensor Operator Lead MassAutonomy Boston, MA Job Details Full-time | Contract $60 - $85 an hour 1 hour ago Qualifications Electronic sensors DoD experience Federal Aviation Regulations Requirements analysis Aviation Project management software Sensors Full Job Description Description and Responsibilities MassDOT Aeronautics Division runs the Commonwealth UAS Integration Program (CUIP) to expand the operational use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or "drones") for transportation use cases across MassDOT, the MBTA, and other state agencies. The CUIP team is working to enable complex drone operations, such as long-distance beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, and to provide situational awareness of drones flying near airports and of crewed aircraft flying near MassDOT drone inspection operations. To support these initiatives, the team is deploying sensor systems to detect and track both crewed and uncrewed aircraft . The CUIP team is looking for an airspace sensor operations lead to guide the deployment, operation, and maintenance of an airspace situational awareness sensor system. This system will include electro-optical cameras, radars, and radio frequency (RF) detectors (e.g., ADS-B), and will fuse the detections and tracks into a common operating picture. This sensor operations lead will work closely with CUIP leadership to oversee the deployment and operation of a sensor network to detect, track and identify drones or crewed aircraft; troubleshoot technical and software challenges in using the sensors; troubleshoot connectivity and data challenges in producing a fused common operating picture; and support test and evaluation plans at locations across the Commonwealth in coordination with the MassDOT Drone Operations team. This position requires a strong technical background in sensor integration and operations, and a proven ability to achieve operational successes. The position is in Massachusetts and will require frequent travel to, and on-site presence at locations across Massachusetts to set up, test, and operate the sensor system.
Specific responsibilities include:
Operate transportable sensor suites for multi-day or multi-week campaigns, at locations across Massachusetts Set up and maintain sensor systems, including hardware/software setup, sensor detection and analysis tools, and routine software / firmware updates Develop strong ability to use each system, including evaluating the capabilities and limitations of each sensor, how to access and output data, and how integrate data with flight teams Prepare FAA and FCC requests for authorization to deploy systems to airports and other environments Develop and implement training and maintenance procedures Provide oversight of vendor support teams adding capabilities to sensor systems Work closely with stakeholders across Massachusetts to coordinate and support airspace situational awareness missions and to provide detect and avoid services for BVLOS flights Work with Drone Program leaders and with other technical subject matter experts to develop system and component requirements Track all logistics of sensor deployments Prepare operational reports Typical Deliverables Waiver and authorization documentation: Prepare waiver and authorization request documents for the FAA and FCC in order to operate the system at Massachusetts airports. Deployment plans:
Coordinate, execute, and document sensor suite deployments to the operational environments. Deployment reports:
Prepare reports containing analyses of observations relevant to deployment objectives Technology roadmaps: Regularly identify and review airspace awareness technologies to help inform senior leadership of options, and to help lay out a strategic approach for growing airspace situational awareness capabilities. Make recommendations for acquisition and system integration to support overall CUIP goals. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Experience operating and managing airspace awareness sensors such as radars, electro-optical/infrared cameras (EO/IR), and radio frequency receivers (RF) Experience working with multiple computing environments and with sensor software tools to enable sensor functionality. Knowledge and operational familiarity with aviation technologies and airspace regulations a plus. Superior project management skills, demonstrated by operational leadership positions in the government or commercial sector. Demonstrated ability to meet operational milestones and achieve project success. Good written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of reports and memos. Strong interpersonal and team skills. Experience working in distributed teams both in skillset and geography. Experience coordinating between members with disparate backgrounds is critical. Experience working in or communicating with large operations-oriented government organizations. Familiarity with team/project management and online productivity tools (e.g., Teams). Ability to set goals, execute plans, maintain momentum on a project, and meet deadlines. Background Technical experience operating sensors a must. Background in air surveillance strongly preferred with understanding of airspace sensors and networks, small UAS, and companies active in the industry. Preference given to individuals who have experience in CUAS or BVLOS operations with other entities supporting FAA (e.g., FAA test sites, centers of excellence, Integration Pilot Program partners, etc.) or DOD. Familiarity with airspace and FAA regulations, and FCC approval processes a plus. 2+ years of related professional experience - either in aviation or technical fields DOD security clearance a plus. Bachelor's Degree in engineering or sciences field, or other relevant experience. Pay:
$60.00 - $85.00 per hour Work Location:
In person
