Job Title: Director of Operations (DO)
Location: Dayton, OH
About Us:
DEXA is a fast-growing last-mile logistics company that uses airborne autonomous drones for local package delivery. Drone delivery provides low-cost same-day delivery for retailers nationwide that is contactless, safe, and eco-friendly.
Job Description:
Dexa is looking for an experienced Director of Operations (DO) to manage flight operations for the company and ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient conduct of UAS operations. The DO is a required management position under 14 CFR Part 119 and is responsible for operational control, flight operations compliance, pilot training and qualification oversight, and coordination with the FAA and other governmental agencies on matters related to flight operations.
To be successful as a DO, the candidate should have strong aviation operations leadership experience, be able to work directly with senior management and FAA representatives, and be capable of building and managing a safe, compliant, and scalable flight operations organization.
Director of Operations Responsibilities:
- Report to the company President and serve as the company’s required management position responsible for UAS flight operations.
- Exercise operational control over daily flights, flight scheduling, and the execution of company flight operations.
- Ensure all company flight operations are conducted in a responsible manner, with the highest regard for safety, compliance, and service standards.
- Maintain a working relationship with the FAA Certificate Holding District Office and serve as the primary operations liaison with the FAA and other governmental agencies.
- Ensure compliance with the Air Carrier Certificate, Operations Specifications, General Operations Manual, applicable exemptions, and applicable 14 CFR Parts 91, 107, 119, and 135 requirements.
- Maintain a full working understanding of the materials and operational requirements applicable to the DO position under 14 CFR Part 119 and the company manuals.
- Establish policies, procedures, and standards that promote the safe, efficient, and economical conduct of company flight operations.
- Ensure flight operations personnel are properly trained, qualified, current, and authorized for their assigned duties.
- Designate qualified Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) in accordance with company procedures and applicable FAA requirements.
- Determine which flights are operated under Part 135, Part 107, or another applicable authority, and ensure the planning and scheduling process clearly identifies the applicable regulatory basis for each flight.
- Ensure the RPIC and supporting personnel receive the information necessary to conduct each flight in accordance with the applicable regulatory authority and approved routes or areas of operation.
- Evaluate flight operations manpower, aircraft, facilities, equipment, and support requirements for adequacy.
- Coordinate with the Director of UAS Maintenance to ensure aircraft availability supports operational requirements within the limits of approved maintenance programs and capabilities.
- Ensure aircraft and facilities are available to conduct required training, qualification, testing, checking, and proficiency activities.
- Prepare and maintain proficiency records, flight schedules, reports, and correspondence pertaining to operations activities.
- Submit or coordinate required reports pertaining to flight crews and flight operations to the FAA.
- Ensure sufficient check pilots, instructors, evaluators, or other required personnel are trained and qualified to conduct required training, testing, and checking functions.
- Assume responsibility for assigned Operations Specifications duties, including applying for, receiving, maintaining, and coordinating changes to Operations Specifications when authorized by company procedures.
- Ensure the company maintains required recent Part 135 operating activity, as applicable to the certificate and Operations Specifications.
- Serve as a member of the Safety Committee and exercise Safety Risk Acceptance Authority for assigned operations and flight training processes in accordance with company procedures.
- Recruit, hire, train, develop, and manage operations personnel according to company and operational requirements.
Director of Operations Requirements:
- Meets the applicable qualification requirements for Director of Operations under 14 CFR 119.71, or an FAA-approved deviation or equivalent authorization applicable to the company’s UAS operations.
- Able to serve full-time in the position.
- Understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), operational control, aviation safety standards, FAA oversight, and industry best practices.
- Working knowledge of applicable FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, General Operations Manual requirements, exemptions, waivers, authorizations, and company operating procedures.
- Prior supervisory, managerial, or operational-control experience in certificated aviation operations, UAS operations, or another aviation environment acceptable to the company and the FAA.
- Ability to lead operational personnel, manage compliance-sensitive programs, and make sound decisions in a safety-critical operating environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with the FAA, senior management, maintenance, safety, customers, and field operations personnel.
- FAA Remote Pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 107.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Prior FAA-accepted Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Director of Maintenance, or other required management-position experience.
- Experience conducting or managing operations under 14 CFR Part 135.
- Experience with UAS delivery, BVLOS operations, Part 107 operations, Part 135 UAS operations, exemptions, waivers, COAs, or FAA certification activities.
- FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Job Type: Full-time
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, FAA acceptability, and scope of responsibility. Additional compensation in the form of equity may be available for qualified candidates.
Pay: $140,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
