Drone Innovation Center Manager

If you're looking for the chance to learn, grow, and make a contribution to the community, look at employment opportunities with Full Sail University. You'll find your choice of career opportunities, great benefits, an environment that welcomes and values creativity, and a work experience that is both challenging and rewarding!

The Drone Innovation Center Manager is responsible for leading the operations, programming, and strategic development of Full Sail University's Drone Innovation Center. This position sits within the Emerging Technologies team, reports to the Executive Director of Emerging Technologies, and collaborates closely with faculty, academic leadership, industry partners, and cross-functional student teams to deliver an exceptional, hands-on learning environment. The Manager will oversee all aspects of facility operations, curriculum related projects, team leadership, and technology integration, ensuring the Center remains at the forefront of drone innovation in higher education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the Drone Innovation Center, including the following spaces: Advanced Airspace, Engineering & Manufacturing, Simulation & Programming, Communications, Remote Operations, and the Situation Room.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership across degree programs, including Simulation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Live Event Production, and other programs, to develop and implement drone-focused projects and experiences that align with program curriculum and learning outcomes.
• Develop concepts, strategies, and project plans with clearly defined objectives, milestones, and deliverables for drone programming, competitions, demonstrations, and research initiatives.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team that may include engineers, student assistants, and third-party contractors to design and execute high-quality drone projects and educational experiences.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging drone technologies, tools, software platforms, and workflows to keep the Center's capabilities current and cutting-edge.
• Plan and manage drone events, races, tournaments, live demonstrations, and other public-facing activities hosted at or in partnership with the Center.
• Support and advise the Full Sail Drone Club, fostering student engagement and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Maintain and enforce safety protocols, FAA regulations, and university policies governing drone operation within the facility.
• Manage inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement of drones, components, and facility equipment.
• Maintain and expand professional knowledge through ongoing training, certifications, and participation in industry events related to unmanned aerial systems (UAS), autonomous navigation, and drone technology.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment that encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Other Responsibilities:

• Adheres to the policies and procedures of Full Sail University.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of student and company information.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Adheres to company attendance standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: ☒YES

If YES, then the below applies in addition to those listed in Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• May oversee Federal Work Study students associated with the Spatial Computing Innovation Lab.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in their department.
• Oversees the schedules and responsibilities of staff in their department.
• Provides constructive and timely staff performance evaluations.
• Follows established guidelines for employee disciplinary action as determined by Full Sail policies and procedures.

Competencies

• Proven track record of managing technical facilities, programs, or cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills with an ability to mentor both staff and students.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with experience engaging students, faculty, executives, industry partners, and the public.
• Creative thinker with a passion for technology-driven innovation in education.
• Comfortable operating, troubleshooting, and teaching with a wide range of drone hardware and software platforms.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and events.
• Professional demeanor with a focus on service, safety, reliability, and excellence.
• Commitment to maintaining a collaborative and inclusive facility culture.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a strong safety mindset.
• Ability to interact professionally and constructively with students and staff at all levels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Education and/or Experience

The ideal candidate is an organized, technically skilled professional with hands-on experience in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drone engineering or operations, project management, and team coordination. They bring a balance of operational rigor, creative vision, and a genuine enthusiasm for immersive, technology-driven education. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Simulation Engineering, Game Development, Digital Media, or a related field is required. Equivalent professional experience in drone operations, UAS program management, or a related discipline will be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

· FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire)

· Additional UAS certifications or advanced FAA credentials a plus

Computer/Equipment Skills

· Strong understanding of drone hardware platforms, flight controllers, and autonomous navigation systems.

· Proficiency with drone simulation software (e.g., VelociDrone or similar platforms).

· Experience with 3D printing, electronics assembly, or drone frame manufacturing preferred.

· Familiarity with AI, computer vision, and programming as applied to drone systems.

· Comfortable with live streaming, AV systems, and multimedia production tools as relevant to the Communications and Situation Room spaces.

Environmental Factors/Physical Demands

Work is performed in both an office and active facility environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly interact with drone hardware, flight zones, manufacturing equipment, and AV systems. The employee must have the ability to maintain active communication with students, staff, and partners; access, input, and retrieve information from computer systems; and respond quickly in a dynamic lab setting. Subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to thirty (30) pounds.

Full Sail is an Equal Opportunity Employer.