UAV Operator (Flight Mission Planner)

precision-ai; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision AI in Calgary, Alberta seeks a UAV Operator (Flight Mission Planner) to plan, configure, monitor, and execute UAV missions via the Ground Control Station. The role partners with an External Pilot to manage ArduPilot-based flight plans, telemetry, and mission adjustments for safe, precise spray operations.

The position is based in Calgary with a hybrid schedule, requiring travel for spray operations and testing, including potential US travel and a Canadian passport.

Qualifications

• Experience with ArduPilot and GCS flight missions.
• Experience operating a UAV Ground Control Station.
• Ability to monitor telemetry, logs and system diagnostics.
• Ability to analyze flight data and upload logs.

Responsibilities

• Own ArduPilot setup and operation for all flight missions.
• Build, validate, and adjust flight plans, waypoints, geofences, and mission parameters.
• Monitor live telemetry, system health, GPS, battery, payload, and failsafes during flight.
• Execute mission start, pause, resume, abort, and contingency workflows with External Pilot.
• Maintain situational awareness and provide inputs to Pilot in Command.
• Configure and verify GCS hardware, radios, antennas, and software.
• Conduct pre- and post-flight system checks and log anomalies.
• Assist with UAV setup, calibration, payload configuration, and teardown.
• Support testing and integration of new aircraft configurations, payloads, software updates.

Skills

ArduPilot

GCS Operations

Telemetry monitoring

Flight planning

Team communication

Tools

GCS hardware configuration

Telemetry logs analysis

Job description

Role Overview

TheUAV Operator (Flight Mission Planner)is responsible forplanning, configuring,monitoring, and executing Precision AI’s UAV missions through the Ground Control Station (GCS). Working in close coordination with theExternal Pilot (PIC), you will manageArduPilot–based flight plans, system health, telemetry, and in-mission adjustments to ensure safe, precise, and efficient spray operations.The UAV Operator plays a critical role in mission success by combining strong software proficiency withoperational judgment and tight team communication.

This role is based inCalgary, AB, with a flexible hybrid schedule that includes office work, remote coordination, and frequent travel for both spray operations and testing.Comfort traveling to the US for extended periods of time (2-4 weeks) as well as a valid Canadian passport arerequired.

Key Responsibilities

• Mission Planning & GCS Operations
  • OwnArduPilotsetup and operation for all flight missions
  • Build,validate, and adjust flight plans, waypoints, geofences, and mission parameters
  • Monitor live telemetry, system health, GPS, battery, payload, andfailsafesduring flight
  • Execute mission start, pause, resume, abort, and contingency workflows in coordination with the External Pilot
  • Maintain constant situational awareness and provide real-time inputs to the Pilot in Command

• Systems, Equipment & Readiness
  • Configure and verify GCS hardware, radios, antennas, and software prior to missions
  • Conduct pre- and post-flight system checks and log anomalies or performance issues
  • Assist with UAV setup, calibration, payload configuration, and teardown
  • Support testing and integration of newaircraftconfigurations, payloads, and software updates

• Team Collaboration & Communication
  • Maintain clear, calm, and precise communication during live missions
  • Provide structured feedback on mission performance, system behavior, and process improvements
  • Work closely with engineering, flight ops, and training teams to improve reliability and repeatability
  • Contribute to a team culture built on trust, discipline, and shared responsibility for safety

Relevant Experience

• Strong hands-on experience withArduPilot
• Prior experienceoperatinga Ground Control Station for UAV or autonomousaircraft
• Experience monitoring and interpreting telemetry, logs, and system diagnostics
• Experience with data analysis, log uploads, and flight data administration

Bonus Points

• Experience with fixed-wing RC models or autonomous aircraft integration
• Exposure to agricultural UAV operations, industrial drones, or field-based autonomous systems is a plus