UAV Pilot

AirQ Limited; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 167,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Q is seeking a skilled UAV Pilot to join the Flight Operations Division. The role involves planning, preparing and executing UAV flight operations for external clients and internal R&D across missions including aerial targets, inspection and testing.

Expect field-based deployments in the UAE and occasionally abroad, with a focus on safety and operational readiness. The candidate should have 2+ years of UAV experience, a valid GCAA RPL, and the ability to operate as PIC or RPIC in both VLOS

Qualifications

• Valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) or equivalent with ability to obtain GCAA RPL.
• Qualified to operate as PIC or RPIC in VLOS and BVLOS contexts.
• Must hold UAE driving licence or ability to obtain one.
• Medical fitness certificate for GCAA licensing.
• Minimum 2 years of professional UAV operating experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct UAV flight operations in line with GCAA rules and SOPs.
• Set up and operate ground control stations and related equipment in field sites.
• Maintain safety and compliance throughout operations and document activities.
• Manage flight logs, mission reports and data handling per procedures.
• Coordinate with pilots, engineers and client representatives during deployments.

Skills

GCAA RPL

Crew position operations

English communication

Aeronautical judgement

Independent work

Tools

QGroundControl

Job description

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 Qs 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.