Airfield Manager
Lubbock
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Operational Oversight. Direct and coordinate daily aircraft movements, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, unmanned, and experimental aircraft. Manage airfield access and scheduling for tenants, research teams, and visiting aircraft. Monitor and maintain airfield readiness, including runway, taxiway, and apron conditions. After-hour work is possible; could need to be on-call. Safety and Regulatory Compliance. Ensure compliance with applicable FAA, DoD, ICAO, and RNSC operational standards. Conduct routine safety audits and risk assessments. Develop and implement emergency response protocols tailored to dissimilar aircraft operations. Maintain wildlife and environmental compliance plans. Provide Notices to Airmen (NOTAM). Stakeholder Coordination. Serve as the primary liaison between RNSC, LRRA, aerospace tenants, TTU research teams, and regulatory agencies. Facilitate communication and coordination for joint operations, testing schedules, and infrastructure use. Direct the planning and coordination of airfield events and use. Infrastructure and Maintenance. Oversee maintenance of airfield infrastructure including lighting, signage, and navigational aids. Coordinate with engineering and maintenance teams for repairs, upgrades, and capital improvements. Track and report on airfield asset conditions and operational needs. Documentation and Reporting. Maintain accurate records of aircraft operations, inspections, incidents, and maintenance. Prepare operational reports for RNSC leadership and regulatory bodies. Support grant applications and compliance documentation with relevant operational data. Personnel Management. Train and supervise ground operations staff and contractors. Ensure personnel are briefed and certified for handling dissimilar aircraft and research protocols. Escort vendors, contractors, and visitors on and off the airfield. Strategic Planning. Contribute to long-term planning for airfield development, tenant expansion, and research integration. Assess future operational needs based on evolving aerospace and defense-related activities. The Airfield Manager is responsible for ensuring the daily safety, security, and operational efficiency of the private-use airfield at TTU's Reese National Security Complex (RNSC). Reports to the RNSC AVP for Facilities and Operations. Master's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or related field. Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in airfield operations or airport management. This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.