Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems - UAS

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 84,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UniSaver Superannuation

Five university holidays

Subsidised health plan (Southern Cross

Staff study assistance and development

Recreation facility discounts

Wellbeing and EAP programmes

Fee concession for study and family FE

Job summary

Massey University’s School of Aviation invites applications for the Manager UAS position in Palmerston North. Lead a team delivering UAS training, ensure regulatory compliance under CAA rules, and cultivate industry partnerships to grow the university’s UAS capabilities and commercial opportunities.

You will drive training delivery, manage stakeholders, and shape strategy for UAS education within the Massey Aviation Centre.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operational teams and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Background in aviation with pilot qualifications and instructional experience.
• Ability to develop industry relationships and identify business growth opportunities.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and operational management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of instructors and UAS operators.
• Oversee UAS training delivery and regulatory compliance under CAA requirements.
• Build strong industry partnerships to expand UAS capability and commercial opportunities.
• Engage with aviation stakeholders, clients, and industry partners to support growth and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Business development

Client relationships

Team management

Pilot qualification

Aviation safety

Job description

Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)

School of Aviation | Massey Aviation Centre | Palmerston North

Full-time | Permanent Location: Palmerston North

Are you ready to lead the future of uncrewed aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand? Join Massey University's renowned School of Aviation and play a pivotal role in shaping the delivery and growth of our Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) programmes from the Massey Aviation Centre in Palmerston North. Based within one of New Zealand's leading aviation training environments, this role combines leadership, operational oversight, industry engagement, and business development in a rapidly evolving sector.

As Manager UAS, you will lead a team of instructors and operators, oversee UAS training delivery, manage regulatory compliance under Civil Aviation Authority requirements, and build strong industry partnerships to expand the University's UAS capability and commercial opportunities. You will work closely with aviation stakeholders, clients, and industry partners while supporting the continued growth and innovation of UAS education and training.

What you will bring

You will have a strong combination of aviation expertise, leadership capability, and commercial acumen, including:

• Experience leading operational teams and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• A background in aviation, with pilot qualifications and instructional experience.
• The ability to develop industry relationships and identify business growth opportunities.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and operational management.

Experience in UAS operations is highly desirable, although support will be provided to obtain required UAS qualifications and certifications where needed.

Why Massey?

Massey University is a world-leading university known for research connected to industry and community, innovative teaching, and preparing the next generation of leaders. We are committed to being a Tiriti-led university and creating an environment where our people can thrive.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: NZD $83,818 - $117,788 per annum (2026), depending on qualifications and experience.

In addition, Massey University offers a comprehensive staff benefits package including:

• Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme
• Five university holidays in addition to annual leave
• Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family
• Staff study assistance and professional development opportunities
• Discounted staff membership to Massey recreation and fitness facilities
• Comprehensive wellbeing and employee assistance programmes
• Staff fee concession for study with Massey and 30% discount on fees for immediate family of staff undertaking undergraduate study (conditions apply)

If you are passionate about aviation, leadership, and advancing the future of uncrewed aircraft systems training, we welcome your application to join the Massey Aviation Centre and help shape the next generation of aviation professionals.

Applications close Sunday 22 November 2026, 11.00pm.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Drone Operations
• Aviation Management
• Aviation Training
• Flight Instruction
• Pilot Qualification
• Part 102 Operations
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• Aviation Safety
• Regulatory Compliance
• Operational Management
• Team Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Industry Partnerships
• Business Development
• Commercial Growth
• Programme Management
• Training Delivery
• Risk Management
• Aviation Education