UAS Chief Pilot

SYOS Aerospace; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, seeks an experienced Chief Pilot to lead worldwide UAS flight operations. You will oversee pilot training, flight safety, and compliance, developing global standards for flight crews and operations.

You will drive regulatory compliance with NZ CAA Part 102 and SORA, manage authorisations, and coordinate demonstrations, trials, and customer training across borders. A strong leadership track record and willingness to travel worldwide are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s flight crew, ensuring training, competency, and regulatory currency are maintained.
• Develop and oversee flight training programs for 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 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.

Skills

Leadership

Flight operations

Training programs

Safety management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Decision making

Travel willingness

Job description

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.