Flight Operations Manager

SYOS Aerospace; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace is seeking an experienced Flight Operations Manager to lead all aspects of UAS flight operations, including planning, coordination and delivery of flight trials and customer demonstrations. You will oversee regulatory compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority and other authorities, while guiding a team of pilots, operators and engineers.

The role emphasizes safety, efficiency and international activity management.

Qualifications

• Requires leadership in UAS flight operations and demonstrated ability to manage complex flight testing and demonstrations.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards, including Part 102/MAA.
• Proven track record of managing operational teams and developing technical personnel.
• Experience coordinating international demonstrations and third-party flight activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to UAS Pilots, Operators, Trials Engineers and Flight Test Engineers.
• Allocate personnel, equipment and UAS assets to meet operations and business priorities.
• Lead R&D flight test programmes and ensure proper data capture and protocols.
• Oversee customer acceptance trials and demonstrations, meeting contractual requirements.
• Coordinate international activities in line with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee regulatory applications and approvals with aviation authorities and maintain SMS and SOPs.
• Develop and manage mandatory training and certification programs.

Skills

Flight operations management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in aviation/engineering

Job description

Big ideas. Real-world impact. Global opportunity.

At SYOS Aerospace, we're developing advanced uncrewed systems across air, land and sea. With research and development in New Zealand and a growing international footprint, we're building innovative technology designed to solve complex real-world challenges.

As our operations continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Flight Operations Manager to lead our UAS flight operations, oversee testing and demonstrations, and ensure our activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory requirements

The SYOS Way

At SYOS, we move quickly, challenge conventional thinking and take ownership of the outcomes we deliver. Our teams work collaboratively across disciplines, combining technical expertise with practical problem-solving to deliver innovative solutions.

About The Role

As Flight Operations Manager, you'll oversee all aspects of SYOS's UAS flight operations, providing leadership across our flight operations personnel and taking responsibility for the planning, coordination and delivery of flight trials, customer demonstrations and international activities.

You'll play a key role in ensuring our flight programmes are conducted safely and effectively, managing regulatory approvals, operational risk and compliance while developing the people, processes and capabilities needed to support our growing operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead and develop the team: Provide strategic leadership and direct line management to UAS Pilots, UAS Operators, Trials Engineers and Flight Test Engineers. Set objectives, manage performance, support professional development and oversee training.
• Manage operational resources: Strategically allocate personnel, equipment and UAS assets to meet operational requirements and business priorities.
• Oversee flight trials and testing: Lead R&D flight test programmes, ensuring testing protocols are followed and accurate data is captured.
• Deliver customer demonstrations: Manage customer acceptance trials and demonstrations, ensuring system capabilities are successfully demonstrated and contractual requirements are met.
• Coordinate international activities: Lead international demonstrations and third-party flight activities, ensuring professional delivery and compliance with local regulatory requirements.
• Drive safety and compliance: Oversee regulatory applications and approvals with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Military Aviation Authority (MAA), ensuring operations meet applicable aviation regulations and airworthiness standards.
• Own operational standards: Implement and maintain the Safety Management System (SMS), oversee operational risk assessments and continuously improve flight operations procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain team competency: Develop and manage mandatory training and standardisation programmes, ensuring personnel maintain the required qualifications, certifications and competencies.

What You'll Bring

• A bachelor's degree or relevant professional experience in aviation, engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience managing flight operations, with a strong focus on military aviation.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards, including CAA Part 102 and MAA requirements.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing operational teams and developing technical personnel.
• Experience overseeing flight trials, testing programmes, customer demonstrations and operational activities.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety, operational risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent organisational, planning and resource management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the confidence to make sound operational decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical teams and external stakeholders.

The SYOS Mindset

We're Looking For Someone Who Embodies The SYOS Approach

• Own the outcome: Take responsibility, make decisions and follow through.
• Move with purpose: Be proactive, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Think ahead: Anticipate challenges, manage risk and find practical solutions.
• Lead from the front: Inspire confidence, develop people and set high standards.
• Keep pushing forward: Challenge the status quo and continuously improve how we operate.

Above all, you'll bring energy, initiative and a serious get-up-and-go attitude. We're looking for someone who sees what needs to be done and makes it happen. This is your opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of uncrewed aviation, working with a team developing technology with real-world impact.

Come build with us. Challenge us. Grow with us.