Drone Flight Operations Specialist | Full Time | Oklahoma, USA

What's the weather like tomorrow? 🌦️

How much energy will my solar power plant generate this week? Is this flight path safe and efficient? Will there be enough rain to water my crops? As the weather affects many industries' performance, businesses keep a close eye on what's happening in the skies.

At Meteomatics, we're a team of proud nerds who deliver the most accurate weather data to over 600 companies and research institutions worldwide. With our Meteodrones, we bridge the meteorological data gap, gathering and delivering the most accurate weather data!

We are looking for a proactive Drone Flight Operations Specialist to lead and oversee our drone operations in the USA.

You will be responsible for managing all aspects of flight operations, including planning, execution, safety, compliance, and personnel management. You will also play a key role in expanding and maintaining our network of weather drones across the USA, ensuring safe and efficient drone operations that support critical weather data collection.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in drone technology and operations, hands-on experience with airspace regulations and FAA authorizations, and strong organizational skills.

Your responsibilities

• Manage Flight Operations: Lead, coordinate and conduct drone flight operations, ensuring the successful planning, scheduling, and execution of all missions. Ensure all drone operations comply with relevant aviation regulations and safety protocols, including airspace restrictions, weather conditions, and risk assessments.

• Regulatory Compliance: Support our regulatory compliance managers with FAA waivers and airspace authorization processes and stay informed about changing regulatory requirements.

• Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for operational questions from aviation authorities and ensure all necessary permits e.g. concerning the airspace, registration of flights, and certifications are up to date and performed.

• Drone Network Management: Oversee and support installation, maintain, and expand a network of Meteodrones across the USA. Coordinate and negotiate with local stakeholders to secure new locations.

• Fleet Management: Oversee the maintenance, repair, and technical readiness of the drone fleet, ensuring all equipment is up to date and operational; coordination with the technical crew.

• Data Management: Monitor and analyze flight data and ensure secure data transfer. Maintain detailed flight logs and prepare reports on performance, mission outcomes, and safety compliance

• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with customers, project partners, and stakeholders to understand project requirements. Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for operational improvements, introducing new technologies, methodologies, or best practices to enhance efficiency and safety.

• Team Leadership: Manage and train the future flight operations team, including pilots and support crew, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills.

Your qualifications

• Flight Operations: Proven experience (1+ years) in drone (flight) operations, aviation management, project management or a related field. Strong organizational skills.

• Certifications: Valid drone pilot certifications (FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, BVLOS, or equivalent) and driver’s license required. Additional aviation or safety certifications are a plus.

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of UAV technology, flight control systems, and drone maintenance.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of local and international aviation regulations (e.g. FAA, or other relevant authorities).

• Travel: Willingness to travel domestically or internationally, depending on operational needs, with a training period in Switzerland of 1 - 3 months.

• Communication: Excellent communication skills and willingness to coordinate with stakeholders and authorities. Business fluent in English (additional languages are a plus). Leadership skills are beneficial.

• Working permit: U.S. working permit is essential

What we offer

• Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development, working with a high degree of responsibility.

• Company Culture: A dynamic and collaborative company culture, with a highly motivated and passionate team of international colleagues (see more here).

• Innovation: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the future of drone networks. The chance to be part of a fast-growing company that’s revolutionising the industry.

Meteomatics is a world-leading provider of weather and climate data, passionate about transforming and growing the application of weather information worldwide. We want people who share our mission to help organizations access accurate weather forecasts to realize their business goals and protect lives and property.

As part of our team, you will have a unique and exciting opportunity to help our valued customers gain weather insights across a wide range of use cases, around the globe.

Still reading?

We are looking forward to your application!