Calspan’s Flight Research Center is home to a fleet of experimental aircraft that include four Learjets and two Gulfstream G-IIIs. Calspan also operates the NF-16D VISTA aircraft for the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, CA.  These aircraft are modified and used to conduct a variety of flight control, airborne sensor and system testing, and other flight research projects and demonstrations for commercial and government organizations around the world, including at the U.S. Air Force and Naval Test Pilot Schools.  We are looking for a Flight Operations Directors in both our EAFB and Niagara Falls locations. These individuals will manage day-to-day company flight and maintenance operations and associated aircraft schedules. 

This is a great opportunity to be part of an organization with a rich 80 year history that prides itself on its Be Calspan Values. If you think you have what it takes to Be Calspan, we encourage you to speak with us.  

Core Responsibilities Listed Below – Compensation and position level commensurate with education and experience.

• Manage in alignment with our Company Values. Lead with the intent to create a respectful and healthy work culture that embraces inclusion. Create awareness in others of their abilities; involve others and share authority in planning and decision-making; challenge the Team and provide support by allowing them to take appropriate risks. Create an environment in which others feel ownership for results and feel comfortable taking action to achieve desired results. Provide timely, constructive feedback regarding performance with a commitment to motivate, train, and develop. Manage administrative responsibilities and assume full responsibility for accomplishments of department functions.

• Oversee flight and maintenance operations to ensure safe, effective, and efficient operations.  Execute training and safety programs in accordance with corporate guidance.  Coordinate with chief pilot, site managers, engineering, and program management to guarantee continued world-class support to customers.  Continually modify and update programs to meet customer needs.

• Supervise remote flying operations to ensure compliance with established regulations and procedures.

• Serve as a test pilot instructor.

• Support business development initiatives including customer cultivation, customer visits and activities, market and competitor analyses and other test services opportunities. 

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Bachelors/Masters in related discipline
• Recognized Test Pilot School graduate.
• Experience in flight test and/or flight test training highly desired
• Previous experience in management positions or;
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above
• Due to security requirements, this position requires US Citizenship

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Extensive knowledge of flight test and flight test training
• Extensive knowledge of flight operations
• Ability to effectively manage people to maximize their potential and contributions
• Ability to effectively manage programs
• Ability to travel as needed

Why join Calspan?

Be Calspan Culture

At Calspan, we promote an environment that empowers employees and encourages innovation. Our management team enables a strong sense of teamwork with each endeavor, where successes are shared and lessons are learned. The company’s talent brand, “Be Calspan”, incorporates our company values to Be Inclusive, Accountable, and Innovative and our commitment to drive every individual to - Be Developed, Be Balanced, Be Connected, Be Community and Be Recognized. Our culture promotes a positive atmosphere and competitive can-do method of action.

Great Benefits = Happy, Committed Employees 

Retaining great talent is as important as finding it, so at Calspan, we take our employee value proposition of Be Calspan quite seriously. To us, that means offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, recognition programs and promotional opportunities. Our benefits include: Health Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Life Insurance Policy, Paid-Time Off, Company-paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Military Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Reimbursement , and Pet Insurance.

Calspan is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Calspan supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications.  Calspan is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.