UAV Pilot Team Lead

Job Description

The UAV Pilot Team Lead is responsible for leading day-to-day flight operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of test flights, demonstrations, and commercial missions. This role supports operational excellence, contributes to revenue generation through reliable mission delivery, and ensures alignment with safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise UAV pilots and flight operations personnel
• Plan daily flight schedules, assignments, and mission priorities
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management for team members

• Execute and oversee UAV flight operations including testing, demonstrations, and commercial missions
• Ensure compliance with operational procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor flight performance and mission outcomes to ensure high reliability

• Enforce Safety Management System (SMS) practices and promote a zero-incident culture
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are implemented
• Ensure adherence to GCAA and international UAV regulations

• Maintain high mission success rates and on-time performance (OTP)
• Identify operational issues and implement corrective actions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in flight operations

• Work closely with R&D, Engineering, and Production teams to support testing and development
• Assist in customer demonstrations and operational deployments
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities for approvals and compliance

• Maintain accurate flight logs, reports, and operational records
• Provide regular performance updates to management

• Regulatory authorities (GCAA, FAA equivalents, international UAS bodies)
• Customers and partners for demonstrations and operations
• Vendors/suppliers for UAV systems and support services
• Industry bodies and certification agencies
• Air navigation service providers (ANSPs), UAE air traffic control entities

• Supports revenue generation through reliable flight operations and successful mission execution
• Contributes to R&D progress through effective flight testing and feedback
• Ensures high safety standards and operational efficiency
• Strengthens team capability through leadership and training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• UAV pilot certification (GCAA / FAA Part 107 or equivalent)
• Additional safety or aviation certifications preferred

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in aviation operations, with at least 3–5 years in unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAV) or drone operations
• Minimum 2–3 years in a supervisory or team lead role
• Experience in UAV flight operations, testing, and mission execution
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and safety systems

• Strong knowledge of UAV systems, flight planning, and mission execution
• Understanding of airspace regulations and safety practices
• Ability to analyze flight data and improve operational performance
• Strong coordination and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Leadership and team development
• Safety-first mindset
• Strong communication and coordination
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Adaptability in dynamic environments

Additional Conditions

• Mission success rate
• Safety compliance and incident reduction
• Flight performance and reliability
• Team performance and operational efficiency

• Based in Abu Dhabi with travel for operations and testing
• May require extended hours during missions

• Adherence to all company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements