Crew Chief (UAV)

Precision AI Inc.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Passport

Driver's license

Drone licenses

Job summary

Precision AI is seeking a Crew Chief to lead in-field operations for our advanced UAV spraying systems. You will set up gear, manage drone readiness, perform rigorous pre-flight checks, and solve on-site challenges to keep missions running safely and efficiently across Alberta and parts of the U.S.

The role requires hands-on drone experience, strong logistical skills, and comfort working long field shifts in rural environments. Calgary-based position with extensive field deployments.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on UAV operations or technical support experience.
• Experience conducting pre-flight inspections in safety-critical environments.
• Logistics management for aerial systems or sensitive gear.

Responsibilities

• Lead field deployment and gear management at spray locations.
• Coordinate drone setup, fueling, maintenance, and teardown on site.
• Perform thorough pre-flight inspections and troubleshoot on-site.
• Maintain drone and ground support equipment to ensure readiness.
• Support crew and communicate across flight teams; manage on-ground logistics.

Skills

UAV operations

Drone maintenance

Pre-flight inspections

Logistics

Field service equipment

Outdoor work

Passport & driver’s license

Job description

About Precision AI

Precision AI is on a mission to transform agriculture with cutting-edge drone technology. Our aerial spraying systems help farmers target weeds with surgical precision, reducing chemical use and increasing yields. We’re a fast-moving, impact-driven team looking for people who want to help build the future of farming.

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 (Ideal Candidate Background)

• 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

What You Bring

• 2+ years of experience with hands-on UAV operations or technical support
• Background in drone maintenance, repair, or pre-flight inspections
• 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