UAV Operator (Flight Mission Planner)

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Mission Planning & GCS Operations 
  • Own ArduPilot setup and operation for all flight missions 
  • Build, validate, and adjust flight plans, waypoints, geofences, and mission parameters 
  • Monitor live telemetry, system health, GPS, battery, payload, and failsafes during flight 
  • Execute mission start, pause, resume, abort, and contingency workflows in coordination with the External Pilot 
  • Maintain constant situational awareness and provide real-time inputs to the Pilot in Command 

• Systems, Equipment & Readiness 
  • Configure and verify GCS hardware, radios, antennas, and software prior to missions 
  • Conduct pre- and post-flight system checks and log anomalies or performance issues 
  • Assist with UAV setup, calibration, payload configuration, and teardown 
  • Support testing and integration of new aircraft configurations, payloads, and software updates 

• Team Collaboration & Communication 
  • Maintain clear, calm, and precise communication during live missions 
  • Provide structured feedback on mission performance, system behavior, and process improvements 
  • Work closely with engineering, flight ops, and training teams to improve reliability and repeatability 
  • Contribute to a team culture built on trust, discipline, and shared responsibility for safety 

Relevant Experience (Ideal Candidate Background)

• Strong hands-on experience with ArduPilot 
• Prior experience operating a Ground Control Station for UAV or autonomous aircraft 
• Experience monitoring and interpreting telemetry, logs, and system diagnostics 
• Experience with data analysis, log uploads, and flight data administration

What You Bring

• Mission Planner Expertise: Confident building and managing complex missions in live environments 
• Technical Aptitude: Comfortable troubleshooting software, comms, and system-level issues in the field 
• Operational Judgment: Able to stay calm, focused, and decisive during high-pressure missions 
• Team Orientation: Works seamlessly with pilots, crew, and leadership 
• Adaptability: Comfortable traveling, working outdoors, and adjusting plans in real time 

Bonus Points

• Experience with fixed-wing RC models or autonomous aircraft integration 
• Exposure to agricultural UAV operations, industrial drones, or field-based autonomous systems is a plus