WASS Operations Lead - 28974

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Date: Jun 15, 2026

Location: McLean, VA, Remote, United States

Company: HII's Mission Technologies division

Requisition Number: 28974 

Required Travel: 11 - 25%

Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range: $143,088.00 - $170,000.00 

Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain  

Level of Experience: Management HI

 

This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.

HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.

 

Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies
HII’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:

  • Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.


These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission Technologies.

Summary

HII - Mission Technologies is seeking a Operations Manager who leads global flight operations across the WASS fleet of rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and unmanned aircraft systems. This role ensures regulatory compliance, mission readiness, and safe execution of counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, maritime patrol, embassy support, and specialized missions. The position oversees operational planning, crew management, scheduling, mission execution, and host-nation coordination across locations including Central Florida, Peru, Malta, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, and other international sites.


The Operations Manager ensures compliance with FAA, ICAO, DoS aviation standards, and host-nation regulations while maintaining the operational tempo required to support INL Air Wing mission requirements. This position serves as the technical authority for flight operations and provides direct oversight of flight crews, coordinators, and operations personnel.

 

This position is contingent on an upcoming proposal. 

What You Will Do

  • Lead global WASS flight operations across rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and UAS platforms.
  • Establish and enforce operational standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensure mission readiness and coordinate priorities with INL Air Wing.
  • Maintain operational tempo aligned with customer and contract requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA Part 135, ICAO standards, DoS aviation policies, and host‑nation regulations.
  • Coordinate aviation approvals, exemptions, and certifications.
  • Oversee mission planning, risk assessments, resource allocation, and crew briefings.
  • Direct real-time mission execution and conduct post-mission debriefs.
  • Recruit, develop, and manage pilots and aircrew; ensure qualification, proficiency, and crew scheduling compliance.
  • Promote a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and mission excellence.
  • Lead UAS operations (Groups 1–5) and CUAS integration.
  • Develop UAS tactics and ensure safe integration with manned aircraft.
  • Maintain MEDEVAC/CASEVAC readiness; coordinate with medical and emergency response organizations.
  • Build and maintain relationships with host‑nation aviation and military authorities.
  • Coordinate diplomatic and flight clearances and support partner‑nation training.
  • Conduct mission risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and support incident investigations.
  • Monitor aircraft readiness; coordinate with Maintenance and Logistics to maximize availability.
  • Align flight schedules with maintenance requirements and improve fleet utilization.
  • Oversee training and standardization programs, including qualifications, recurrency, evaluations, and check rides.
  • Support host‑nation aviation training initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

  • 8 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 6 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 12 years relevant progressive experience.
  • Minimum 10+ years aviation experience with operational leadership responsibilities.
  • Experience with both rotary-wing and fixed-wing operations; UAS experience a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience in international flight operations.
  • Strong understanding of FAA Part 135, ICAO standards, and DoS aviation requirements.
  • Proven leadership in dispersed, multi-site aviation operations.
  • FAA Commercial or ATP certificate required.
  • Multi-engine and instrument ratings required.
  • CFI or equivalent standardization experience highly desired.
  • UAS Remote Pilot Certificate or military UAS qualifications valued.
  • Comprehensive understanding of diverse aviation mission sets.
  • Strong knowledge of weather, navigation, and flight planning.
  • Familiarity with crew resource management (CRM) principles.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred: Bonus Points For...

  • Clearance: Possess and maintains a TS/SCI clearance. 
  • Strong strategic and tactical decision-making skills.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments.
  • Strong risk assessment and risk acceptance judgment.
  • Ability to inspire confidence and lead diverse, multinational teams.
  • Strong communication skills with crews, customers, and senior leaders.
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing aviation professionals.

#LI-NM1


The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.

Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.

To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance? 
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.