Project Manager III - Operations, Test and Evaluation (OTE

Project Manager III
- Operations, Test and Evaluation (OTE)

Texas A&M University
- Corpus Christi

The Project Manager III, Operations, Test, and Evaluation (OTE) manages the planning, coordination, and execution of complex projects conducted by the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in support of governmental and private sponsors. Responsibilities include developing test plans and operational requirements, managing timelines and deliverables, coordinating range services, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to meet strategic goals. The position supports both scientific research and operational testing efforts led by ARI and its partners.

The Project Manager III (PMIII), Operations, Test, and Evaluation (OTE) is an operations-focused leader responsible for managing complex research and test projects while leading multidomain operational teams across air, land, water, and space environments. The PMIII, OTE serves as the primary interface between project stakeholders and ARI operational crews, oversees project execution and resource allocation, supports long-term operational planning, and serves as the deputy to the Project Director, OTE.

Project Management: 40%

• Plan, coordinate, and lead periodic project meetings with stakeholders to support research and operational activities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor project schedules, priorities, performance standards, and operational milestones. Assist in the development and implementation of ARI goals and provide ARI support to the University's Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to plan, schedule, and execute research and operational activities while ensuring contractual requirements and project deliverables are achieved.
• Prepare project plans including budget, timelines, resources, goals, and deliverables.
• Ensure industry best practices are applied through vendor selection, contract administration, project execution, and closeout.
• Lead short- and long-term strategic planning initiatives while monitoring execution, performance, and outcomes of assigned research and operational projects.
• Coordinate test operations activities with the ARI OTE Department.
• Manage project portfolios in alignment with ARI strategic objectives and established project management standards.

Operations: 40%

• Direct operational tasking of ARI domain chiefs and personnel to support mission requirements on behalf of the Project Director, OTE.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and operational direction to assigned personnel while supporting workforce development, mission readiness, and operational excellence.
• Represent the Project Director, OTE during meetings, customer engagements, operational planning sessions, and mission execution activities in their absence or as delegated.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager, Infrastructure, and ensure operational readiness of the ARI Downtown Mission Control Center (MCC) and the Flour Bluff ARI MCC.
• Test and inspect MCC equipment and notification systems to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
• Oversee MCC operations during planned events and mission execution.
• Lead the planning and execution of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other domain-specific missions and testing programs, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and expanding operational capabilities into emerging fields of autonomy.
• Serve as Mission Commander (MC) and operational lead by directing the activities of a range of services personnel and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Monitor activities being performed, either directly or through assigned personnel, to ensure compliance with the approved project or test plan.
• Analyze and integrate test results, operational findings, and project outcomes to support technical reporting and future planning.
• Coordinate with ARI's Safety Office to support the development and implementation of safety and standardization programs that meet regulatory and internal quality standards.
• Direct the allocation of personnel, equipment, and project resources to meet mission requirements and ongoing operational commitments.

Coordinating

Activities:

20%

• Monitor project…