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Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

ACCOUNTANT

Sellersburg, IN · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

... our growing aviation operations. This position will assist with daily accounting functions ... aircraft management, maintenance services, and other company activities · Process customer ...

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Aviation Operations Manager information

See Indiana salary details

$29.5K

$60.4K

$112.8K

How much do aviation operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation operations manager in Indiana is $60,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $73,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Operations Manager, you need expertise in aviation regulations, operational management, and safety protocols, along with a relevant bachelor's degree and often an FAA certification. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling systems, and compliance databases is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations in a highly regulated and complex aviation environment.

What are the most common challenges Aviation Operations Managers face when coordinating between different airport departments?

Aviation Operations Managers often encounter challenges related to synchronizing activities between departments such as ground services, air traffic control, security, and maintenance. Ensuring clear communication, timely updates, and efficient problem-solving is crucial to avoid delays or safety issues. Managers must proactively address conflicting priorities and rapidly changing operational demands, all while maintaining compliance with strict aviation regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills and the ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams.

What are Aviation Operations Managers?

Aviation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of airports, airlines, or other aviation-related facilities. They ensure that all activities related to flight operations, ground support, safety, and regulatory compliance run smoothly and efficiently. Their duties often include managing staff, coordinating with air traffic control, implementing safety protocols, and handling logistical challenges. Aviation Operations Managers play a crucial role in maintaining safe, efficient, and cost-effective aviation operations.

How much does an aviation operations manager make?

An aviation operations manager typically earns a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They oversee daily airport or airline operations, requiring strong leadership and knowledge of safety regulations and industry standards.

How much should an operations manager get paid?

The salary for an Aviation Operations Manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Factors such as certifications, leadership skills, and familiarity with aviation safety regulations can influence compensation levels.

What does an aviation operations manager do?

An aviation operations manager oversees daily activities related to aircraft operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. They coordinate with pilots, ground staff, and regulatory agencies, often using management software, and may require certifications such as an FAA license or equivalent. Their role involves planning, monitoring, and improving operational procedures in aviation environments.

What is the highest paying job in aviation?

The highest paying roles in aviation often include airline chief executives, senior airline pilots, and aerospace engineers with advanced expertise. These positions typically require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership skills, and they can offer salaries exceeding several hundred thousand dollars annually.
What are popular job titles related to Aviation Operations Manager jobs in Indiana? For Aviation Operations Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Aviation Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Aviation Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Aviation Operations Manager job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,383 per year, or $29 per hour.
UAS Flight Operations Manager

UAS Flight Operations Manager

Precise Systems

Crane, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation's most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on-today and into the future.
We are seeking a UAS Flight Operations Manager to provide 100% support to MXQW in Crane, Indiana. This position is a mission-essential role supporting Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) test and evaluation activities nationwide. The successful candidate will establish and operate permanent and temporary Flight Operations Centers (FOCs), coordinate complex UAS operations in regulated military and civil airspace, and enable safe, compliant, and effective execution of developmental and operationally relevant test events.
This role requires in-person support.
Duties:
  • Establish, operate, and continuously improve permanent and temporary Flight Operations Centers (FOCs) supporting Counter-UxS testing activities.
  • Serve as the central operational authority for flight-event execution and provide go/no-go recommendations for all flight operations.
  • Coordinate mission requirements with military and FAA air traffic controllers, range control personnel, and military airspace managers to ensure full compliance with airspace regulations, local restrictions, and mission approvals.
  • Obtain and manage required flight waivers, airspace approvals, and operational clearances for UAS operations in highly regulated environments.
  • Conduct pre-mission planning, flight reviews, mission evaluations, and post-mission debriefings for UxS pilots and supporting crewmembers.
  • Verify completion and quality of post-mission reports, logs, aircraft records, battery records, incident documentation, and operational data capture.
  • Develop, document, and maintain Ground Operations Procedures, Flight Operations Procedures, locality-based SOPs, and safety procedures supporting nationwide test events.
  • Develop and maintain a flight operations management system that tracks aircraft and battery logs, pilot credentials and currency, flight planning data, airspace restrictions, incidents, and training status.
  • Maintain pilot qualification and currency, identify training deficiencies, schedule recurring training, and develop a comprehensive UxS flight safety program.
  • Interpret Counter-UxS testing requirements, formulate testable criteria, and develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) that enable realistic, measurable, and mission-relevant test events.
  • Develop and deliver training curricula, operational briefings, and instructional material ranging from introductory UAS content to specialized flight operations topics.
  • Perform and instruct others in critical crewmember roles, including Pilot-in-Command, Visual Observer, and Aviation Safety Officer.
  • Coordinate with engineering and maintenance personnel to support payload integration, aircraft readiness, and safety-of-flight reviews.
  • Manage applicable Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) associated with flight operations and ensure proper accountability, readiness, and safe operational use.
  • Support field execution of test events, including scheduling, setup, coordination of facilities and ranges, event support, and after-action documentation.
  • Contribute to test plans, briefings, procedures, reports, and lessons learned supporting broader T&E objectives.

Desired Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.

Desired Experience:
  • 3+ years of UxS work experience; or high school diploma with formal UxS training and a minimum of 11 years of UxS work experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience piloting Groups I-III fixed-wing and multirotor UxS platforms.
  • Thorough knowledge of common radio-controlled aircraft components, flight controllers, propulsion systems, and control architectures.
  • Experience managing UxS operations and pilots in both Government and field-test environments.
  • Experience coordinating with DoD and FAA airspace authorities, including military tower coordination, military range coordination, and DoD flight line operations.
  • Ability to inspect, evaluate, and operationally check propulsion systems, flight-control systems, and related components pre-flight and post-flight.
  • Familiarity with applicable FAA and DoD UxS policy documents, especially those governing GOCO and COCO operations for Class I-III UxS in the National Airspace System and DoD-owned airspace.
  • Experience developing UAS flight operations procedures, ground operations procedures, and safety policies.
  • Strong ability to collaborate with personnel across engineering, aviation, military operations, safety, and test organizations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, SOPs, and training materials.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Additional operator certifications and/or type ratings applicable to fixed-wing or rotary-wing UxS issued by the DoD, FAA, or manufacturer.
  • Experience supporting Counter-UxS, Counter-UAS, or broader test and evaluation activities in military or Government environments.
  • Experience standing up and operating temporary or expeditionary Flight Operations Centers.
  • Experience supporting nationwide test events at military ranges, federal test sites, and complex civil/military airspace locations.
  • Familiarity with Government range processes, test-event documentation, and operational risk management for field aviation events.
  • Experience supporting payload integration, engineering flight support, maintenance coordination, or system readiness reviews.
  • Experience briefing senior Government, military, and test leadership on flight readiness, operational risk, and mission execution.
  • Ability to support surge travel and variable testing schedules.

Required Certifications/Training:
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with small UxS rating.
  • Documented training and operational proficiency in all topics included in Basic UxS Qualification (BUQ) I, plus fixed-wing training including the Navigation category of BUQ Level II and III and the Instrument category of BUQ Level III.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.
Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary. Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.