OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning.
A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently.
The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management.
Responsibilities- The Deputy Aviation Operations Manager (DAOM) reports to the Aviation Operations Manager (AOM) and serves as second-in-command within Aviation Operations. The DAOM is required to maintain the qualifications and capability to serve as the AOM in the AOM’s absence.
- The DAOM serves in the same role as the AOM and is responsible for PNNL aviation safety programs, policies, and publications in support of the AOM which includes advising senior leadership on aviation operations and safety in support of research-oriented flight services.
- Serves as a DOE Aviation Manager and primary Aviation Safety Officer as defined in DOE Order 440.2C and DOE’s FTCP-PSQS-1165-2020 Aviation Safety Program Specific Qualification Standard.
Core Responsibilities
- Liaises with the FAA, NTSB, federal agencies, and other national laboratories on aviation matters.
- Serves as PNNL’s primary investigator for aviation mishaps, incidents, and off-normal events; serves as PNNL’s invited party for NTSB investigations, as applicable.
- Primary UAS portfolio lead for DOE aviation manager and aviation safety officer roles.
- Manages and maintains the aviation Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Safety Management System (SMS) manuals; provides IS-BAO program management and ensures required audits are completed.
- Reviews aviation programs/manuals and manages SMS/aviation operations applications (may be delegated).
- Consults on campaign site selection, facilities, hazards, and mitigations.
- Supports AOM oversight of the Challenger 850 modification into a PNNL-operated science/mission platform; coordinates with maintenance, science/technology teams, and mission systems/integration engineers to support integration, testing, acceptance/readiness, and transition to sustained operations.
- Provides aviation and UAS subject matter expertise and regulatory support to modification planning, schedule tracking, payload/mission-system integration and testing, and readiness/transition activities.
- Qualifies as a pilot in the modified Challenger 850 platform, including required training and pilot-duty qualifications.
- Supports pilot/UAS training, crew coordination/CRM improvements, and oversight of currency, qualifications, check programs, and standardization.
- Supports implementation and execution of SMS and compliance activities across manned and unmanned operations, including documentation support and corrective-action follow-up as assigned.
- Supports worldwide deployments (up to six weeks) and logistics planning, including aircraft/support equipment, payloads, tools/spares/ground support assets, and personnel requirements.
- Supports coordination of maintenance activities for all PNNL manned and unmanned aircraft with the Director of Maintenance and maintenance personnel.
- Supports safe, efficient upload, integration, and download of science/mission payloads across PNNL aviation platforms.
- Helps ensure pilot and UAS operator currency, qualifications, and training records are accurate, current, and compliant; supports scheduling that enables safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
- Provides supervision, mentorship, and performance management for assigned aviation personnel; serves as a point of contact with internal teams and external partners/sponsors/regulatory and oversight entities (including DOE and FAA), as delegated.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
GSA ICAP Federal Aviation Safety Officer qualification (past or present).
Holds a current FAA Class I or Class II medical and the ability to hold Class I (annual for international ops).
FAA CFI and CFII Airplane Multiengine Land with Instrument, including experience instructing (or equivalent) in transport category multiengine land airplanes.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate with current 24-month training certificate.
Demonstrated experience implementing and managing Safety Management Systems (SMS), IS-BAO certifications, and aviation safety programs.
Working knowledge of aviation operations, maintenance operations, and maintenance practices.
Demonstrated experience leading or managing an aviation unit.
Experience conducing flight operations with small and Large (55 pounds or greater) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Familiar with the FAA Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA) application process for UAS flight operations.
Familiar with the GSA FAIRS aircraft reporting system and financial requirements.
Familiar with the OMB Circular A-126 aircraft management and reporting requirements.
Familiar with federal aviation management regulations.
Basic understanding of the FAA aircraft modification and approval process.
Demonstrated understanding of the aviation mishap investigation process, emergency preparedness, aviation safety, and human factors.
Experience as an aviation safety officer in civil government, military, or with an FAA certificated operator.
Graduate of civilian/university professional aviation safety course or military aviation safety officer (or equivalent) course.
Demonstrated knowledge of regulations and standards relating to public aircraft operations.
Demonstrated understanding of aviation Safety Management Systems and/or the IS-BAO system and protocols.
Demonstrated knowledge of operational planning, implementation of operations, and maintenance programs.
Familiarity with Part 91 (“general operating rules”) and public flight operations as described in FAA AC 00-1.1B Public Aircraft Operations—Manned and Unmanned.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment- Physical requirements: stand up to 8 hours per day; bend, stretch, crawl, and climb ladders to access all aircraft areas.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $194,900.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $329,000.00/Yr.
