The UAV Pilot is responsible for the safe and precise operation of the company's UAV survey platforms during mineral exploration campaigns. The role involves operating both heavy hybrid unmanned helicopters and light hybrid multirotors carrying geophysical and remote-sensing payloads, with duties including takeoff, waypoint flight, survey-line execution, and emergency handling. The pilot works as part of a multi-person survey crew, coordinating with GCS operators and other team members to maintain stable flight profiles and respond to abnormal situations. The role requires strong mission discipline and the ability to act as mission commander or pilot-in-command when assigned.

Responsibilities

Operate UAVs during takeoff, hover, waypoint flight, survey-line execution, return, landing and recovery.
Act as mission commander or pilot-in-command when assigned, with clear authority during active flight operations.
Work with the GCS Operator to review mission plans, aircraft limits, flight profile, terrain, weather, communication links and contingency actions.
Maintain stable flight profiles suitable for magnetic, radiometric, gravimetric, LiDAR, hyperspectral and other survey payloads.
Respond to abnormal situations such as lost link, power issues, navigation errors, payload alarms, weather changes or aircraft performance concerns.
Complete flight logs, post-flight notes, defect reports and handover comments for the operations team.
Support platform testing, training, demonstrations and operational improvement

Requirements

5+ years of UAV, aviation or unmanned aircraft operational experience preferred.
Experience as UAV pilot, pilot-in-command, mission commander, instructor, test pilot or field chief is preferred.
Experience with heavy UAVs, unmanned helicopters, hybrid UAVs, BVLOS, controlled-airspace or long-endurance operations is strongly preferred.
Strong manual-control ability, emergency response judgement and disciplined use of procedures.
Ability to work with GCS operators, payload operators, technicians and client/site representatives in remote field conditions.
Relevant UAV pilot certificates, aviation training or military/industrial UAS experience is preferred.