Department: NIAR Sustainment

Campus Location: Outside Kansas

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business needs. The job is performed remotely, in the Oklahoma City, OK area.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Information

Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is expanding its presence to Oklahoma in partnership with Tinker AFB and the greater OKC aerospace and defense market. The responsibilities of this role include developing new business opportunities, strengthening customer relationships, building a robust regional manufacturing supply base aligned with NIAR’s mission, and delivering tailored business development and technical presentations to Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) stakeholders.
This position will be based in the Oklahoma City area, and will work remotely initially while establishing and overseeing setup and staffing of the OKC office.

Job Summary

Manages and oversees the daily operations of the laboratory and staff. Provides technical and management assistance and support to customers. Attains external grant and contract funding specific to the research performed in the laboratory. Obtain university partnerships and collaborate with internal and external partners.

Essential Functions

Manages and oversees the daily operations of the laboratory and staff.
Develops and expands new business opportunities within Tinker AFB and the greater Oklahoma City aerospace and defense market.
Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with service providers, vendors, and manufacturing suppliers aligned with NIAR's mission.
Creates and delivers business development and technical presentations.
Guides program requirement development and assembles and/or leads cross-functional teams to execute projects across multiple business areas.
Identifies and resolves operational challenges and areas of improvement.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or related aerospace or defense field of study

Ten (10) years of experience in aerospace or defense industry, with five (5) years supporting sustainment or modernization programs on military weapons systems.
Five (5) years of experience in supplier management.

Required License/Certifications/Training

Must be eligible for security clearance (EAR/ITAR compliance).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated expertise in aerospace and defense sector operations, particularly Tinker AFB.
Strong supply chain and quality management background.
Proven success in vendor development and management for complex technical programs.
Ability to build and scale teams aligned with new business growth.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of defense contracting and compliance requirements.
Experience leading and mentoring teams in a professional environment.
Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.
Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.