Flight Operations Engineer

Destinus is an aerospace technology company founded under the belief that in the future distance shouldnt matter at all. We are therefore building the nearspace vehicle and the associated infrastructure. Moving at the border of Space our hydrogenpowered vehicles are ten times faster than conventional aircrafts providing the justintime backbone for logistics ecommerce and supply chain companies who cant wait. We define a new class of fast: our mission is to bring instantly your stuff at the other part of the world and we mean it literally.

Job Summary: As the Flight Operations Engineer you will oversee all facets of UAV flight operations ensuring safe efficient and compliant missions. You will lead a team of operators manage flight approval documentation coordinate logistics maintain UAV readiness execute flight test plans and provide comprehensive reporting

Tasks

Team Leadership:

• Lead and supervise a team of UAV operators providing guidance training and support.
• Coordinate team schedules and assignments ensuring optimal coverage for flight operations.
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss and define mission objectives safety protocols and operational procedures.

Ground Control Station (GCS) Operation:

• Operate the Ground Control Station (GCS) to control UAVs during flight missions.
• Monitor telemetry data and video feeds to maintain situational awareness during operations.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with the GCS or UAV systems as they arise.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures for GCS operation and data management.

Manual Piloting Skills:

• Demonstrate proficiency in manual piloting of UAVs including precise control and manoeuvring.
• Conduct manual flight operations when necessary ensuring safe and effective UAV control.
• Possess strong handeye coordination and spatial awareness for navigating UAVs in various environments.

Flight Approval Documentation and Obtention:

• Prepare comprehensive flight approval documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and stakeholders to obtain necessary flight clearances and permissions.
• Ensure adherence to airspace regulations and operational restrictions during flight planning and execution.

UAV Readiness:

• Maintain UAV readiness by overseeing routine maintenance inspections and preflight checks.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel to address any technical issues promptly and ensure airworthiness.

Flight Operations Logistics:

• Coordinate flight operation logistics including equipment transportation site selection and airspace coordination.
• Manage inventory of UAV equipment and supplies ensuring availability for scheduled operations.
• Develop and implement efficient logistics workflows to optimize resource utilization.

Flight Test Plan Execution and Reporting:

• Develop and execute flight test plans for UAVs defining test objectives and parameters.
• Collect and analyse flight test data documenting results and providing recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate test findings into the UAV development process.
• Prepare detailed flight test reports documenting test procedures results and recommendations.
• Coordinate flight test activities with regulatory agencies and external partners as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g. aerospace engineering aviation management) or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in UAV operations with demonstrated proficiency in GCS operation and manual piloting skills.
• Proven experience in UAV flight approval obtention.
• Experience with writing SORAs and past interaction with EASA is desired.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve objectives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations airspace management and flight safety protocols.
• Ability to prioritize tasks manage resources and adapt to changing operational requirements.
• Experience with flight operations logistics and flight test plan execution and reporting is highly desirable.
• Drone pilot licenses for the civilian (A1 A2 and A3) and military (DUO) segments are highly desirable.

Note: This job description outlines a multifaceted role requiring leadership technical expertise and operational proficiency in various aspects of UAV flight operations. The Flight Operations Team Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the success of missions while upholding safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

Destinus is an equal opportunity employer: we value diversity in our companies and our teams. We do not discriminate based on age race religion colour country of origin gender sexual orientation or disability status