Senior Drone Operations

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.

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.

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.

Support pilot onboarding, vetting, certification and insurance verification, capability tracking, assignment matching, and ongoing pilot performance management.

Support projects involving aerial mapping, RTK/PPK capture, GCP coordination, thermal inspections, utility inspections, construction progress, rooftop modeling, and geospatial deliverables.

Work closely with sales, operations, data processing teams, pilots, and subcontractors to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and within scope.

Review incoming field data for completeness, coverage, accuracy, image quality, and alignment with client requirements before processing or delivery.

Help improve SOPs, pilot instructions, project handoffs, QA/QC workflows, and scalable systems for managing complex multi-site drone projects.

Support the expansion of Skye Link’s advanced service offerings, including LiDAR, utility inspection, solar thermography, and geospatial data products.

Stay informed on drone industry trends, emerging UAS technologies, software platforms, and key markets including energy, utilities, infrastructure, construction, and renewables.

• 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

• 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 Drone Deploy, Pix4D, DJI Pilot 2, Raptor Maps, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, QGIS, Global Mapper, LP360, LiDAR
  360, 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

• 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

Full‑time

Monday to Friday

Charlotte, NC preferred / hybrid considered for the right candidate