Crew Chief (UAV)

precision-ai; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision AI in Calgary leads front-line UAV deployments, overseeing AirSprayer operations across Alberta, Canada, and the United States. The Crew Chief role demands hands-on field execution, tight coordination, and rigorous pre-flight checks to keep missions safe and efficient.

Based in Calgary, you’ll spend significant time in the field, supporting multi-person teams, maintaining gear, and upholding safety standards in demanding outdoor environments.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on UAV operations or technical support.
• Background in drone maintenance, repair, or pre-flight inspections.
• Experience as Crew Chief or UAV operator for field operations.
• Ability to perform pre-flight inspections in safety-critical environments.
• Logistics and transportation of aerial systems or sensitive gear.
• Hands-on experience with UAVs, electronics, or field service equipment.
• Support multi-person crews in agricultural or logistics settings.
• Willingness to work outdoors in rural environments and UAS settings.
• Familiarity with warehouse logistics and equipment handling.
• Active passport and driver's license; drone licenses preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate drone setup, fueling, maintenance, and teardown at spray locations.
• Conduct thorough pre-flight inspections and troubleshoot issues on-site.
• Maintain drone and ground support equipment, ensuring operational readiness.
• Provide on-site field coordination and support flight teams.
• Log daily flights and report performance data.
• Collaborate with engineering and ops teams to improve field protocols.
• Ensure safety standards are followed and report incidents as needed.

Skills

UAV operations

Field operations

Pre-flight inspections

Logistics coordination

Ground support

Safety compliance

Outdoor work

Tools

AirSprayer UAV

Drone maintenance tools

Ground support equipment

Job description

Role Overview

The Crew Chief is a critical operator on the front lines of deploying one of Canada's most complex large-scale UAV systems, and the world's first autonomous parafoil. You'll be responsible for executing in-field operations with precision, ensuring every mission runs safely, efficiently, and without compromise. Based in Calgary, this role puts you at the center of flight operations across Alberta, Canada, and the United States.

In the field, you play a key role in keeping missions running smoothly. You'll lead site setup, oversee AirSprayer (UAV) readiness, conduct rigorous pre-flight inspections, and ensure all equipment and personnel are prepared for execution. During agricultural spray operations, you'll serve as the on-site point of coordination, solving problems in real time, maintaining operational tempo, and supporting consistent, high-quality execution.

This role is built for someone who thrives in high-responsibility, hands-on environments; someone who takes pride in disciplined execution, technical systems, and making complex operations look seamless.

You should expect to spend 50-75% of your time in the field, with deployments typically lasting 2 weeks at a time. Field schedules are intensive, often requiring 12+ hour days and weekend work, following a 2-weeks-on, 1-week-off rotation.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Deployment & Gear Management
  • Coordinate drone setup, fueling, maintenance, and teardown at spray locations
  • Conduct thorough pre-flight inspections and troubleshoot issues on-site
  • Maintain drone and ground support equipment, ensuring operational readiness
• Crew Support
  • Support ground crew and communicate clearly across flight teams
  • Manage on-the-ground logistics and keep mission timelines on track
  • Support new operator onboarding and informal field training
• Operational Execution
  • Log and document daily flights, inspections, and performance data
  • Collaborate with engineering and ops teams to improve field protocols
  • Ensure safety standards are followed and report incidents as needed

Relevant Experience

• 2+ years of experience with hands-on UAV operations or technical support
• Background in drone maintenance, repair, or pre-flight inspections
• Served as Crew Chief or UAV operator for drone-based field operations
• Conducted pre-flight inspections and equipment checks in a regulated or safety-critical environment
• Managed logistics and transportation of aerial systems or sensitive gear
• Hands-on experience with UAVs, electronics, or field service equipment
• Supported multi-person crews in agricultural, industrial, or logistics-based settings
• Strong work ethic, adaptability, and comfort working outdoors in rural/agricultural environments
• Familiarity with tools, warehouse logistics, and equipment handling
• Active passport, driver's license, and any other applicable drone licenses

Bonus Points

• Soldering, CAD/CAM, or technical service experience a plus
• Part 137 or 135 certified