UAV Flight Operations Lead

Destinus SA; Madrid; Híbrido; EUR 90.000 - 130.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Destinus in Madrid leads cutting-edge UAV flight operations, moving complex test campaigns from planning to execution. The role oversees flight readiness, data capture, and reporting to ensure safe, compliant operations in dynamic environments.

You will drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, logistics, and test teams, mentor operators, and deliver customer demonstrations while maintaining documentation and training materials for UAV systems and procedures.

Formación

• 10+ years of UAV flight operations or aerospace ops experience.
• Strong aviation safety standards and airspace management knowledge.
• Ability to plan and execute complex test campaigns and field ops.
• Ability to manage technical documentation, reporting, and procedures.
• Hands-on troubleshooting in real operational environments.
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, logistics, and test teams.
• Excellent communication in English; Spanish is a strong plus.
• Willingness to travel frequently and operate in dynamic environments.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and oversee daily UAV flight operations, ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Plan, prepare and execute flight test campaigns with scheduling, risk assessments, and readiness.
• Prepare test campaigns by organizing materials, equipment, and personnel.
• Ensure all aircraft are flight-ready and properly configured with onboard systems.
• Gather telemetry data, video, and all supporting information for analysis.
• Generate comprehensive test reports based on flight results and data.
• Coordinate with engineering to align flight ops with tech requirements.
• Lead and organize customer demonstrations with professional execution.
• Prepare operations and training manuals for UAV systems and procedures.
• Deliver training to customers on UAV operation and safety procedures.

Conocimientos

UAV flight operations

Flight testing

Aerospace operations

Safety standards

Regulatory compliance

Telemetry data analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Spanish language

Descripción del empleo

About the role

Imagine being at the core of real flight operations, where cutting-edge UAV systems move from concept to sky. Every role. This is where planning meets execution, where data becomes insight, and where precision mission you run directly impacts how advanced aerospace technology performs in the real world. This is not a desk defines success.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission‑critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Lead and oversee daily UAV flight operations, ensuring adherence to safety, regulatory, and company standards
• Plan, prepare and execute flight test campaigns, including scheduling, risk assessments and operational readiness
• Prepare test campaigns by organizing required materials, equipment, and human resources
• Ensure all aircraft are in flight-ready condition, including the integration of all onboard equipment and systems and their correct configuration
• Execute planned flight test activities and ensure proper mission execution
• Gather and manage telemetry data, video recordings, and all supporting information required for test analysis
• Generate comprehensive test reports based on flight results and collected data
• Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure alignment between flight operations and technical requirements
• Lead and organize customer demonstrations, ensuring successful and professional execution
• Prepare operations and training manuals for UAV systems and procedures
• Deliver training to customers on UAV operation, safety procedures and system usage
• Assess and validate all necessary conditions for safe flight operations, including weather analysis, airspace evaluation and assessment of ground and surrounding areas
• Provide support for logistics management, including transportation, equipment handling and site setup
• Supervise and mentor UAV operators and support staff
• Maintain documentation related to flight operations, maintenance logs and test results
• Ensure compliance with applicable UAV regulations and internal procedures
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation measures
• Be available and willing to travel frequently to support flight operations, test campaigns, and customer activities

What You’ll Need

• 10+ years proven experience in UAV flight operations, flight testing, or aerospace operations environment
• Strong understanding of aviation safety standards, UAV regulations, and airspace management
• Experience planning and executing complex test campaigns and field operations
• Ability to manage technical documentation, reporting, and operational procedures
• Hands-on mindset with the ability to troubleshoot systems in real operational environments
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, logistics, and test teams
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail
• Leadership experience or ability to mentor and guide operational teams
• Excellent communication skills in English, Spanish is a strong plus
• Willingness to travel frequently and operate in dynamic environments

Who You Are

You thrive where execution matters. You are structured but adaptable, able to make decisions in real time without losing sight of safety or precision. When systems fail or conditions change, you stay sharp and find solutions. You take ownership of operations, lead by example, and bring clarity to complex environments. You don’t wait for instructions, you anticipate what’s next and make it happen.