About this opportunity
Skye Link Drones lists this Senior Drone Operations opportunity in charlotte, North Carolina. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Skye Link Drones is hiring a Senior UAS Operations Manager to lead nationwide drone operations, manage pilot teams, coordinate complex aerial data projects, and ensure high-quality client delivery.
This senior operational role requires strong unmanned aircraft systems experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage drone projects from scoping through execution and delivery. The ideal candidate understands UAS field operations, drone data collection workflows, project coordination, pilot management, and quality control across mapping, inspections, solar, utilities, infrastructure, construction, and geospatial services.
Compensation varies depending on candidate experience level.
Responsibilities
Project & Flight Operations Management
Manage nationwide UAS flight operations by coordinating pilots and contractors, relaying mission details, reviewing flight plans, coordinating airspace authorizations, confirming site access, ensuring timely data uploads, and conducting data quality checks.
Client & Project Delivery
Serve as a primary operational point of contact for clients. Coordinate project requirements, timelines, deliverables, field constraints, and post-delivery follow-up to ensure strong client satisfaction.
Pilot Network Management
Support pilot onboarding, vetting, certification and insurance verification, capability tracking, assignment matching, and ongoing pilot performance management.
Advanced Data Collection Workflows
Support projects involving aerial mapping, RTK/PPK capture, GCP coordination, thermal inspections, utility inspections, construction progress, rooftop modeling, and geospatial deliverables.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with sales, operations, data processing teams, pilots, and subcontractors to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and within scope.
Quality Control & Technical Review
Review incoming field data for completeness, coverage, accuracy, image quality, and alignment with client requirements before processing or delivery.
Operational Systems & Process Improvement
Help improve SOPs, pilot instructions, project handoffs, QA/QC workflows, and scalable systems for managing complex multi-site drone projects.
Growth & Innovation
Support the expansion of Skye Link’s advanced service offerings, including LiDAR, utility inspection, solar thermography, and geospatial data products.
Market Insight
Stay informed on drone industry trends, emerging UAS technologies, software platforms, and key markets including energy, utilities, infrastructure, construction, and renewables.
Qualifications
Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
3+ years of drone operations, UAS program management, geospatial, inspection, mapping, utility, construction, or related experience
Strong hands‑on understanding of unmanned aircraft operations, mission planning, field data capture, and UAS safety practices
Experience managing drone pilots, contractors, vendors, or distributed field teams
Strong understanding of drone data collection, photography, imaging, mapping, and inspection workflows
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects
High attention to detail and strong commitment to safety, quality, and client service
Self‑motivated and comfortable working independently in a fast‑moving environment
Nice to Haves
Experience with aerial LiDAR, RTK/PPK workflows, GCPs, CAD, GIS, or point cloud deliverables
Experience in renewable energy, utilities, infrastructure, construction, engineering, or surveying
Experience with utility inspections, solar PV inspections, construction progress monitoring, or technical asset inspections
Familiarity with platforms such as DroneDeploy, Pix4D, DJI Pilot 2, Raptor Maps, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, QGIS, Global Mapper, LP360, LiDAR360, or similar tools
Manned aviation, helicopter, or utility aviation background that translates well into UAS operations, safety, and field coordination
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Aviation, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive base salary based on experience
Bonus and performance‑based incentive opportunities
Healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision
401(k) with company match
Paid time off
Flexible schedule
Job Type
Full‑time
Schedule
Monday to Friday
Work Location
Charlotte, NC preferred / hybrid considered for the right candidate
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
charlotte, NC, 28245, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.