UAV Pilot

Air Q is seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to join the Flight Operations Division. The successful candidate will plan prepare and execute UAV flight operations in support of both external commercial clients and internal R&D activities across mission profiles including aerial target services UAV inspection and UAV systems R&D flight testing.

This is a field-based operationally intensive role suited to a pilot with demonstrated professional UAV experience a strong safety culture and the physical fitness and adaptability to perform in austere environments. Approximately 50% of working time will involve deployment to locations across the UAE including remote and off-road areas. The position may also be deployed to international locations as operational requirements dictate. The role requires the ability to lift bend and climb in order to set up and dismantle ground control stations antennas and associated equipment in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Execution

Plan and conduct UAV flight operations in accordance with GCAA regulations approved standard operating procedures and applicable client requirements.

Conduct thorough pre-flight planning including airspace assessment NOTAMs weather briefings risk assessments and site surveys.

Execute UAV missions across commercial and R&D profiles including aerial target services UAV inspection data collection and R&D flight testing for both external clients and internal engineering teams.

Act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC); make sound go/no-go decisions and exercise authority throughout all flight phases.

Monitor UAV systems payload performance and airspace throughout all phases of flight; respond promptly and correctly to anomalies.

Conduct structured post-flight debriefs and document all flight activities accurately.

Ground Station & Equipment Operations

Set up configure calibrate and operate ground control stations (GCS) communications equipment antennas and associated hardware at field sites.

Perform all physical tasks associated with field deployment including lifting and carrying equipment climbing to elevated positions to install antennas and sensors and bending or working in confined spaces as required.

Conduct pre- and post-flight inspections of UAV systems; participate in UAV testing and airworthiness checks; report unserviceabilities or defects through the correct channels.

Assist with UAV assembly disassembly transportation and storage in accordance with approved procedures.

Ensure aircraft and ground equipment are fully prepared for upcoming flight missions.

Safety & Compliance

Maintain a thorough understanding of GCAA UAS regulations applicable airworthiness requirements and relevant UAE airspace regulations.

Conduct and document risk assessments prior to every operation; enforce go/no-go discipline and exercise sound aeronautical decision-making.

Actively participate in the Flight Operations safety programme; report hazards incidents and near-misses promptly and accurately.

Comply at all times with all required company policies standard operating procedures and fatigue risk guidelines.

Ensure all flight activities are performed safely and in accordance with engineering and operational objectives.

Data Management & Reporting

Ensure accurate and timely completion of all flight logs mission reports maintenance records and operational documentation.

Manage collected mission data (imagery sensor outputs telemetry) in accordance with approved data handling procedures and client security requirements.

Prepare clear post-mission reports and contribute to client deliverables as directed by the VP of Flight Operations.

Review flight logs and telemetry to identify anomalies and contribute to lessons-learned processes.

Team Coordination & Client Interface

Coordinate effectively with pilots payload operators engineers and ground crew during mission execution.

Interface professionally with client representatives and host-site personnel during deployments; represent Air Q to a high standard at all times.

Attend pre-deployment briefings operational planning sessions and post-mission reviews as required.

Support the mentoring and on-the-job development of less-experienced team members where applicable.

Required Qualifications

Valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) or an equivalent recognised licence with the ability to obtain a GCAA