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 RPL.

• Must be qualified to operate in both crew positions: as an internal pilot, commanding the aircraft from within the ground control station via the flight control software beyond visual line of sight; and as an external pilot, flying the aircraft manually on a radio controller within visual line of sight.

• Valid UAE driving licence, or the ability to obtain one following appointment (mandatory; UAE-wide field mobility is required).

• Valid medical fitness certificate as required for GCAA remote pilot licensing.

• Minimum 2 years of professional UAV operating experience.

• Experience conducting field-based operations in outdoor and physically demanding environments.

• Proven track record of safe operations and full adherence to regulatory requirements.

• Strong aeronautical judgement and the ability to work independently and make sound decisions under operational pressure.

• Excellent English communication and coordination skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualification or authorisation to operate under the GCAA Specific category of UAS operations.

• Manned aviation background (PPL, CPL, or military equivalent) with understanding of aircraft flight fundamentals.

• Experience operating within the UAE airspace environment and familiarity with the GCAA regulatory framework.

• Proficiency with GCS software and mission planning tools (e.g., QGroundControl, Mission Planner).

• Prior military or government UAV operations experience.

• Experience in UAV development and flight testing programmes.

• Prior operational experience on fixed-wing UAV platforms crewed with separate internal and external pilot positions, including manual launch and recovery.

• Arabic language ability.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to operate advanced UAV systems across diverse and challenging mission environments.

• Direct involvement in Air Q’s commercial and R&D programmes, spanning real-world field operations and next-generation UAV development.

• A strong safety culture and a team committed to operational excellence.

• Field-based role with variety — no two deployments are the same.

• Competitive salary based on experience.