Position Information

Position Information (Default Section)

Job Title
Associate Director for Applied Research and Development

Location
Main Campus - Dayton, OH

Job Number
05487

Department
Unmanned Aerial Systems

Job Category
Professional

Job Type
Full-Time

Status
Regular

Job Open Date
07/13/2026

Resume Review Date
08/03/2026

Closing Date
08/02/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Applied Research and Development, Unmanned Aerial Systems position exists to enable and advance internally directed and external engaged applied research and development (R&D) of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) related technologies and applications.

A primary goal of the position is the advancement of technologies and capabilities that benefit and enable the safe growth of the UAS industry, while also resulting in increased capabilities, revenue, and positive exposure for Sinclair's UAS efforts.

The Associate Director will work closely with UAS department staff, other college personnel, and external stakeholders to advance internally underwritten and externally funded opportunities to ensure successful project completion and generation of revenue. The position reports to the Chief Research Officer, Unmanned Aerial Systems.

The potential minimum compensation for this position begins at $84,185.00 and is commensurate with education and experience.

Principal Accountabilities

• In coordination with the Chief Research Officer, identify, select, prioritize, pursue, and successfully complete a variety of UAS related applied research and development projects.
  • These may include limited internally funded efforts, but will primarily be driven through externally funded sources including, but not limited to grants, contracts, and subsidies from public and private funding sources.
• Work closely with other UAS Department and broader college staff to secure research funding and income following efforts from licensing, royalties, and other sources, as well as coordinate to ensure successful development, testing, demonstration, and other technical and operational aspects of projects are completed
• Pursue applied R&D efforts should align to the strategic goals and vision of the UAS Department and broader college, raise the status and standing of Sinclair's UAS efforts in the U.S. and aboard, and advance the financial goals related to UAS operations within the college
• Travel extensively to cultivate and strengthen relationships with current and prospective research clients, partners, and funders
• Develop and submit high-quality proposals to a wide range of public and private funding sources
• Hold authority to approve standard proposals and funding levels up to a defined threshold; seeks approval from the Chief Research Officer, Grants Office, or other appropriate college entities when proposals exceed set limits or require additional oversight to comply with internal or external policies and regulations
• Attend industry and trade conferences, opportunity solicitation briefings, and other meetings, both in the U.S. and internationally, in pursuit of UAS related applied R&D and revenue opportunities
• Support the broader UAS department as required for UAS operations, event facilitation and support, or other tasks as may be required
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred
• Minimum of five years of relevant technical and/or applied research and development experience required
• Current or ability to obtain a FAA Second Class Medical preferred
• Current or ability to obtain a Pilot's Certificate issued by FAA is preferred
• Background in applied research and development required
• Proven prior exceptional strategic planning and project management experience required
• UAS industry experience required
• Experience related to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concepts and technologies preferred
• Traditional aviation industry experience preferred
• Current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required
• UAS operational flight experience on a variety of small UAS required
• Completion of UAS Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized training certifications preferred
• Strong people management, team building, team interaction and conflict resolution skills required
• Strong organizational and analytical skills required
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and partners required
• Strong PC skills, including standard office tools, proposal development, project management, and UAS industry specific software packages required
• Ability to read, research, and comprehend proposal solicitation, technical, and regulatory documents required
• Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills, including experience in preparing and delivering proposals, reports, and presentations required
• U.S. Citizenship preferred
• U.S. Passport preferred