Aviation Operations Manager

• Richland, Washington
• Facilities and Operations
• Regular Full-Time
• No
• 03/25/2026
• 11358
• USD $194,900.00/Yr.
• USD $329,000.00/Yr.

Overview

At 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 Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) is hiring an Aviation Operations Manager to lead OSD Flight Operations in support of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerial Facility (AAF) and other research-oriented flight services. These services are necessary for research missions performed or supported by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy. OSD manages aviation operations for the Laboratory’s manned and unmanned aircraft, which are configured as science platforms in support of a variety of missions. The Aviation Operations Manager reports to the OSD Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This position includes the following functions and responsibilities, including contracted aviation assets:

• Aviation Manager – The Aviation Operations Manager serves as the Aviation Manager, as required by DOE O 440.2C, and is held accountable for all PNNL aviation compliance and safety by the DOE Office of Aviation Management.
• Aviation Safety Point of Contact (ASPOC) – In this capacity, the Aviation Operations Manager is responsible for all PNNL aviation safety programs, policies, and publications. The ASPOC advises the senior leadership regarding aviation operations and safety in support of research-oriented flight services.
• PNNL’s primary liaison with the FAA, NTSB, federal agencies, and other national laboratories for aviation matters.
• PNNL’s primary investigator for aviation mishaps, incidents and off normal events. Also serves as the primary to act as PNNL’s invited party to an NTSB investigation.
• Management, training, and maintenance of the Emergency Response Plan and Safety Management Systems (SMS) manuals.
• ISBAO program management and audits.
• Review and input on all aviation programs and manuals.
• Manager for the applications supporting the SMS and aviation operations. This may be delegated.
• Consultation on campaign site selections, facilities, potential hazards, and mitigations.
• Capable of qualifying as pilot in a modified Challenger 850 platform, including training and qualifications associated with pilot duties.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9 years of aviation experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 7 years of aviation experience. 
• Hold, or be eligible to obtain, an ATP certificate for the applicable aircraft class and category operated by PNNL.
• Possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate – Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) with Instrument Rating.
• Hold a valid Aeronautical Radio Telephone Operator Permit.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Government flight operations experience
• 5+ years’ experience managing and/or flying large UAS.   
• Experience implementing and managing Safety Management Systems (SMS), ISBAO certifications, and aviation safety programs
• Working knowledge of aviation operations, maintenance operations, and maintenance practices
• Proven experience leading or managing an aviation unit
• Basic understanding of the FAA aircraft modification and approval process
• Demonstrate an understanding of the aviation mishap investigation process, emergency preparedness, aviation safety, and human factors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regulations and standards relating to public aircraft operations
• Demonstrate a good understanding of aviation Safety Management Systems and/or the ISBAO system and protocols.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the operational planning, implementation of operations, and maintenance programs
• Have familiarity with Part 91 air operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and professional presentations

Additional Information

This 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 Position

This 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 PNNL

Pacific 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 Opportunity

Our 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 (see our website)

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL 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 Requirements

As 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.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees 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.

Minimum Salary

USD $194,900.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $329,000.00/Yr.