UAV Pilot

Nabat; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Work and residence visa sponsorship

Assistance with housing & schooling

Job summary

Nabat is a climate-tech startup in the UAE using drones, GIS, and AI to protect ecosystems. We are seeking a commercial UAV pilot to execute missions, ensure safety, and deliver high-quality environmental data in remote Abu Dhabi environments.

You will work with operations, engineering, and data teams to plan missions, perform pre/post-flight inspections, and coordinate with stakeholders to advance restoration projects that support mangrove planting and ecosystem restoration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a commercial UAV / RPAS pilot in operational environments.
• Strong flight planning and mission execution capabilities.
• Solid understanding of aviation safety, risk management and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Execute UAV missions as part of a pilot/tech team across diverse projects.
• Conduct mission design, including weather assessments, airspace analysis and risk evaluations.
• Perform RPAS operations including mapping, aerial seeding and data capture.
• Oversee post-flight data transfer, logs, and reporting to ensure data quality and traceability.
• Maintain flight readiness through pre/post-flight inspections and maintenance coordination.

Skills

UAV Pilot Experience

Flight Planning

Regulatory Compliance

Data Capture

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

DJI

Job description

Nabat is a climate-tech startup based in the UAE using advanced technology to protect and restore natural ecosystems with precision and scale! We operate at the intersection of ecological & environmental sciences, GIS, AI, and robotics. Our mission is to enable data-driven, science-backed ecosystem management and restoration at the speed and scale necessary to address the critical challenges of climate change, deforestation, land erosion, and biodiversity loss. Our comprehensive solution - consisting of ecosystem management software, precision aerial seeding drones, AI & ecological models, and restoration services - is already being used to plant millions of mangroves in the UAE. But we’re just getting started, as we build our platform to serve the needs of coastal, marine and arid ecosystems around the world.

If this mission resonates with you, let’s talk.

The UAV Pilot will operate multirotor and powered-lift UAV platforms in remote environments, ensuring safe, compliant, and high-quality mission delivery in close collaboration with operations, engineering, and data teams.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

UAV Flight Operations

• Execute UAV missions as part of a team of pilots and technicians across diverse projects.
• Conduct detailed flight planning, including:
  • Mission design and sequencing
  • Meteorological assessments
  • Airspace analysis and operational risk assessments
• Perform RPAS operations including mapping, aerial seeding, and environmental data capture.
• Operate multirotor and powered-lift UAVs with MTOW up to 50 kg, often in remote or challenging environments.
• Oversee in-field data capture and ensure data meets defined quality standards.
• Manage post-flight activities including data transfer, flight logs, and operational reporting.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Actively promote and uphold a safety-first culture during all UAV operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aviation authority regulations, permits, and operational approvals.
• Prepare and maintain project and site documentation, including:
  • Risk assessments and method statements
  • Safety documentation and operational plans
• Submit, track, and support the management of flight operation permits and approvals.
• Maintain accurate and complete flight documentation in line with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Support flight operation reviews and internal compliance checks as required.

UAV Readiness, Inspection & Technical Support

• Perform pre-flight, post-flight, and periodic UAV inspections to ensure airworthiness and mission readiness.
• Support routine UAV maintenance activities, including:
  • Airframe, propulsion, and power system checks
  • Payload, sensor, and ground control equipment verification
  • System and firmware updates where applicable
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report technical issues encountered during field operations.
• Coordinate closely with UAV Engineers to support issue resolution and continuous system improvement.
• Maintain accurate records related to aircraft usage, inspections, defects, and technical observations.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and transportation of UAVs, batteries, payloads, and support equipment.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Coordination

• Work closely with the Head of Operations and Flight Operations Manager to execute operational plans and timelines.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with clients, authorities, and project stakeholders during missions.
• Support training, standardization, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the UAV operations team.
• Assist with operational and field logistics as required.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience as a commercial UAV / RPAS pilot in operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Mission planning and execution
  • Remote or field-based UAV operations
  • Managing flight documentation and post-mission reporting
• Hands-on exposure to UAV inspections, maintenance checks, or technical troubleshooting.
• Experience operating multirotor or powered-lift UAV platforms.
• Strong understanding of UAV safety procedures, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Preferred

• Familiarity with UAV autopilot systems such as PX4, Ardupilot, DJI, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting mapping, environmental monitoring, or aerial seeding payloads.
• Background working alongside UAV engineering or technical teams.
• Experience in agri-tech, robotics, environmental, or ecosystem restoration projects.
• Exposure to or experience supporting submersible ROV operations for underwater inspection, survey, or data capture.
• Familiarity with basic ROV operational procedures, safety practices, or field support activities in marine or freshwater environments.

Why join Nabat?

A Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity To

• Join a well-funded early-stage tech startup at the intersection of some of the most exciting, disruptive and innovative technologies in the world - geospatial AI, remote sensing, drone robotics, ecology & agricultural science.
• Relocate to Abu Dhabi – one of the safest, most livable, expat-friendly cities in the world - with an “all inclusive” relocation package for you and your family, that includes work & residence visa sponsorship, relocation flights, orientation tour, school and house search, and hotel stay until you find your new home.
• Make a real and direct impact to solving the most critical challenges of our time – climate change and ecosystem loss.
• Build partnerships that matter!

At Nabat, we’re not just building technology — we’re shaping the future of sustainable agriculture through innovation and collaboration. If you’re passionate about making a real-world impact and working alongside a diverse team of curious minds, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in transforming data into solutions that matter.