UAV Pilot

Overview

Air Q invites applications for a dedicated UAV Pilot to join its Flight Operations Division. This role centers around planning, preparing, and carrying out UAV flight operations for external commercial clients and internal research and development (R&D) projects, covering aerial target services, UAV inspections, and UAV system testing.

This position is primarily field-based, requiring physical fitness and adaptability to work in challenging and remote UAE environments approximately half of the time. International deployments may also be necessary. The role involves manual handling of equipment, including setting up and dismantling ground control stations and antennas.

Key Duties

• Organize and execute UAV flights complying with GCAA regulations, standard procedures, and client benchmarks.
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight planning such as airspace assessment, weather and NOTAM reviews, risk evaluations, and site inspections.
• Operate UAV missions for commercial and R&D objectives, including aerial target duty and data gathering.
• Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), making critical go/no-go operational decisions.
• Continuously monitor UAV systems and airspace, responding adeptly to any issues during flight.
• Lead structured post-flight debriefings and maintain accurate flight documentation.
• Set up and manage ground control stations and related hardware; undertake physical fieldwork such as carrying equipment and installing antennas.
• Conduct pre- and post-flight UAV inspections; assist with UAV assembly, disassembly, transportation, and storage per protocol.
• Ensure all flight operations meet safety, regulatory, and company standards, engaging actively in safety programs.
• Maintain and manage detailed flight reports, mission data, and client deliverables following data handling policies.
• Collaborate with team members and clients professionally, supporting mentorship initiatives where applicable.

Requirements

• Valid GCAA Remote Pilot Licence or equivalent with the ability to acquire the GCAA RPL.
• Authorized and skilled in UAV operations both internally (via ground control software beyond visual line of sight) and externally (manual radio control within visual line of sight).
• Possession of a UAE driving licence or ability to obtain one post-hire to enable field mobility.
• Medical fitness certification as required for GCAA Remote Pilot licensing.
• At least 2 years of professional experience piloting UAVs in outdoor and challenging conditions.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational safety and regulatory compliance.
• Strong independent judgment and decisive aeronautical decision-making skills under pressure.
• Fluent English communication skills, both verbal and written.

Preferred Attributes

• Authorization for GCAA Specific category UAS operations.
• Manned aviation qualifications (PPL, CPL, or military) with knowledge of aircraft flight principles.
• Experience within UAE airspace and GCAA frameworks.
• Familiarity with ground control station software (e.g., QGroundControl, Mission Planner).
• Background in military/government UAV operations or UAV flight-testing programmes.
• Prior operation of fixed-wing UAV platforms requiring dual pilot roles and manual launch/recovery.
• Proficiency in Arabic language.

What We Provide

• Engagement with advanced UAV technology across varied, complex mission environments.
• Active participation in both commercial operations and cutting-edge R&D projects.
• Supportive safety-first work culture dedicated to excellence.
• A dynamic field role offering diverse deployment experiences.
• Competitive compensation aligned with expertise and experience.