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

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.