UAV Pilot: Field Operations & R&D Missions

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Field-based role

Safety culture

Job summary

Air Q is seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to join the Flight Operations Division. This field-based role will plan, prepare, and execute UAV flights across external clients and internal R&D, including aerial target services, UAV inspection, and testing.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of UAV operating experience, a valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence, and the fitness to work in austere environments. Expect 50% deployments within the UAE and possible international assignments.

Qualifications

• A valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) or ability to obtain one.
• Minimum 2 years of professional UAV operating experience.
• Experience conducting field-based operations in outdoor and demanding environments.
• Excellent English communication; Arabic language ability is a plus.
• Valid UAE driving licence and medical fitness certificate.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct UAV flight operations in accordance with GCAA regs and client requirements.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, and site surveys.
• Manage ground station setup, antennas, and field equipment.
• Maintain flight logs, mission reports, and data handling records.
• Coordinate with pilots, engineers, and clients during deployments.

Skills

GCAA Remote Pilot Licence

Crewed and remote operation experience

UAE driving licence

Medical fitness certificate

2+ years UAV experience

Field operations

Aeronautical judgement

English communication

Arabic language ability

Education

PPL/CPL or military equivalent

Tools

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Job description

Air Q is seeking a skilled and safety-focused UAV Pilot to join the Flight Operations Division. This field-based role will plan, prepare, and execute UAV flights across external clients and internal R&D, including aerial target services, UAV inspection, and testing.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of UAV operating experience, a valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence, and the fitness to work in austere environments. Expect 50% deployments within the UAE and possible international assignments.