Drone Operations Specialist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote contractor

Competitive contract rate

Access to cutting-edge drone tech and/

Professional development and training

Long-term contract opportunities

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drone Operations Specialist to lead planning, execution, and management of UAV missions from a home office. You will work across industries, ensuring safe, compliant flights and high-quality data delivery.

The role requires a Remote Pilot license, 4+ years in commercial drone operations, proficiency with a range of drones and sensors, and strong knowledge of aviation regulations. Remote work flexibility is a key benefit.

Qualifications

• Must have practical experience in planning and executing UAV missions for commercial applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities essential for data processing and reporting.
• Proficiency with flight planning tools and data processing workflows is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex drone flight missions per safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Operate drones and sensor payloads for data collection.
• Perform pre-flight checks, post-flight analysis, and system maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with drone regulations, airspace restrictions, and safety protocols.
• Analyze collected data for reporting and client delivery.
• Develop and refine SOPs for drone operations.
• Manage drone equipment inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and deliverables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues during missions.

Skills

Remote work

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Time management

Client management

Tools

Mission Planner

DroneDeploy

Data processing software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative leader in aerial technology solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Drone Operations Specialist to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for planning, executing, and managing a diverse range of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations across various industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and surveying. You will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone flights, developing operational protocols, and utilizing advanced drone technology. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in drone piloting, flight planning, data acquisition, and a strong understanding of UAV regulations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects and shape the future of drone applications from the convenience of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex drone flight missions, adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Operate various types of drones and associated sensor payloads for data collection.
• Perform pre-flight checks, post-flight analysis, and system maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation regulations for drone operations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA).
• Analyze collected data (e.g., imagery, LiDAR) for reporting and client delivery.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone operations.
• Manage drone equipment inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and deliverables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues that may arise during missions.

Requirements

• Certified Remote Pilot License (e.g., SACAA RPAS License) and relevant endorsements.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in commercial drone operations.
• Proficiency in operating a variety of multirotor and fixed‑wing drones.
• Experience with various sensors such as RGB, thermal, multispectral, and LiDAR.
• Strong knowledge of drone regulations, airspace restrictions, and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in flight planning software (e.g., Mission Planner, DroneDeploy) and data processing software.
• Excellent understanding of aviation principles and meteorology.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and client management abilities, essential for remote work.
• Ability to work independently, manage project timelines, and maintain meticulous records.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contract rate of R per annum, commensurate with experience.
• As a fully remote contractor, you will benefit from the flexibility to work from any location.
• Our client provides access to cutting‑edge drone technology and software, along with support for professional development and training in advanced UAV applications.
• This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects that are at the forefront of aerial technology.
• Our client values innovation and a results‑oriented approach, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment for its remote workforce.
• Opportunities for long‑term contract engagement are available based on performance and project needs.