UAV Payload Operator — Geophysics & Remote Sensing

Client of James Douglas Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of James Douglas Middle East is seeking a Payload Operator to oversee field operation readiness and first-pass data quality control for geophysical and remote-sensing payloads on UAV survey platforms in the UAE. The role spans magnetic, radiometric, gravity, LiDAR and hyperspectral systems across heavy and light hybrid operations.

Responsibilities include payload preparation, pre/post flight checks, data management and QA/QC, with collaboration alongside pilots, GCS operators and

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in geophysics, UAV payload operations or related field data management.
• Experience with LiDAR, hyperspectral, GNSS/base stations or similar survey systems preferred.
• Strong data discipline: naming, logs, backups, metadata, QA/QC, handover control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, configure and operate geophysical and remote-sensing payloads for UAV surveys.
• Check payload power, cabling, mounting, storage, GNSS timing PPS base stations, metadata and health.
• Assist payload installation, calibration, warm-up, stabilization, checks and post-flight shutdown.
• Monitor payload status during missions and coordinate with Pilot and GCS Operator on alarms or re-flights.
• Download, organize, back up and hand over payload data, flight metadata and field logs.
• Perform first-pass QA/QC to verify data completeness and time synchronization.
• Maintain payload inventory, cables, mounts, storage media and sensor condition records.
• Troubleshoot sensors, cabling, GNSS/time sync, data storage and field computers.
• Understand survey-line execution and data-quality implications.
• Collaborate with pilots, GCS operators, technicians and geophysicists in remote field conditions.

Skills

Geophysics

UAV payload operations

Geomatics

Remote sensing

LiDAR

hyperspectral

QA/QC data discipline

GNSS/base stations

Job description

Client of James Douglas Middle East is seeking a Payload Operator to oversee field operation readiness and first-pass data quality control for geophysical and remote-sensing payloads on UAV survey platforms in the UAE. The role spans magnetic, radiometric, gravity, LiDAR and hyperspectral systems across heavy and light hybrid operations.

Responsibilities include payload preparation, pre/post flight checks, data management and QA/QC, with collaboration alongside pilots, GCS operators and