UAS Chief Pilot

RGIT Australia; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS, based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, seeks an experienced Chief Pilot to lead global UAS flight operations. You will oversee pilot training, flight safety, regulatory compliance, and develop international operations standards.

You will travel worldwide to support trials, demonstrations, and customer training, ensuring crews operate safely and in accordance with aviation regulations while driving continuous improvement across global operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ aviation experience with 3+ years in leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of UAS operations and flight safety management.
• UAS pilot qualifications and proven flying ability.
• Experience dealing with regulators and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel worldwide for operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage flight crew training, competency, and regulatory currency.
• Develop flight training programs for internal pilots and external customers.
• Establish and enforce flight operations policies, safety protocols, and SOPs.
• Manage flight authorisations and compliance with NZ CAA Part 102, SORA, and international regulations.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise global flight operations, including trials and demonstrations.
• Provide operational oversight and act as final authority on flight safety and risk management.
• Liaise with regulators, partners, and customers to ensure smooth approvals and safe operations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UAS technologies and regulations.
• Operate UAS directly for trials when required.

Job description

Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty 3150, New Zealand

Full-time Permanent Associate

Description

SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.

Job Summary:

Please note, this role requires worldwide travel.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Pilot to lead and manage all aspects of UAS flight operations. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing pilot training, flight safety, operational compliance, and the development of global flight operations standards. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our flight crews operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with aviation regulations, while also directly contributing to demonstrations, trials, and international operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s flight crew, ensuring training, competency, and regulatory currency are maintained.
• Develop and oversee flight training programs for both internal pilots and external customers.
• Establish and enforce flight operations policies, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Manage flight authorisations and ensure compliance with NZ CAA Part 102, SORA, and international aviation regulations.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise global flight operations, including trials, demonstrations, and customer training.
• Provide operational oversight and act as the final authority on flight safety and risk management.
• Liaise with regulators, partners, and customers to ensure smooth approvals and safe operations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, regulations, and best practices in UAS operations.
• When required, operate UAS directly for trials, demonstrations, and high-profile missions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in aviation with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of UAS operations, regulations, and flight safety management (NZ CAA Part 102, SORA, or equivalent)
• UAS pilot qualifications and proven flying ability; RC piloting experience highly desirable.
• Strong track record in team leadership, training, and competency management.
• Deep understanding of aviation safety systems and risk management.
• Experience working with regulators, customers, and stakeholders in domestic and international environments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively worldwide for operations.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-paced environment working on state-of-the‑art autonomous vehicle technology.
• The opportunity to work alongside a team of highly skilled and awesome professionals

Location

This position is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Known for its stunning surf beaches, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning tech scene, Mount Maunganui offers an excellent quality of life and a conducive environment for innovation.