UAV Pilot and Co-pilot

Job Title: Drone Pilot & Co-Pilot for Mapping and Surveying
Location: Various project sites (based on assignment)

Company Overview:
Karman Drones™, a pioneering company in UAV technology, specializes in designing, developing, and deploying drones for diverse applications, including defense, surveillance, mapping, and surveying.

We are seeking skilled Drone Pilots and Co-Pilots to join our team, specifically for mapping and surveying projects. This role will be very useful in delivering accurate and actionable aerial data to meet our clients needs, and each individual will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations and data precision.

Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Drone Pilot and Co-Pilot positions focus on executing precise mapping and surveying missions using advanced UAVs. Pilots and Co-Pilots will work collaboratively to ensure all operations comply with safety and quality standards, efficiently capturing data and interpreting it for project-specific needs. Key responsibilities include pre-flight planning, piloting UAVs, data extraction, analysis, and reporting results to relevant personnel.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Pre-Flight Operations:
Flight Planning:
Collaborate with project teams to understand mission objectives and specific area coverage requirements.
Use mission planning software to outline optimal flight paths, waypoints, and altitude settings.
Conduct pre-flight checks, including UAV system diagnostics, payload configuration, and environmental assessments.
Equipment Preparation:
Ensure all UAV equipment, batteries, and other necessary components are fully operational and calibrated.
Perform any required firmware updates and conduct routine maintenance as necessary.
Risk Assessment:
Conduct on-site evaluations to identify any potential hazards, establish risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

2. Drone Piloting and Co-Piloting:
Flight Operations:
Execute flight missions according to the established plans, piloting the drone to capture accurate and high-resolution data.
Maintain situational awareness and ensure the UAV stays within designated airspace and flight parameters.
Communicate effectively with the Co-Pilot to monitor UAV status, battery life, and environmental conditions, making real-time adjustments as necessary.
Co-Pilot Support:
Assist the Pilot by managing telemetry data, monitoring UAV position, and ensuring safe operation.
Act as a secondary operator, ready to take control if necessary to ensure the mission's success.
Safety Compliance:
Adhere strictly to safety protocols and guidelines, including emergency landing procedures and contingency plans.

3. Data Acquisition and Management:
Data Collection:
Utilize UAV cameras and sensors to capture detailed aerial imagery and data for mapping and surveying purposes.
Monitor real-time data feeds to verify data accuracy and completeness, adjusting the flight as needed to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Quality Control:
Review and evaluate collected data post-flight to identify any gaps or errors that require re-missioning.
Data Transfer and Management:
Organize, tag, and store data systematically for ease of retrieval and further analysis.

4. Post-Flight Operations:
Post-Flight Checks:
Conduct thorough post-flight checks, including battery status, component inspection, and equipment condition assessments.
Documentation and Reporting:
Document each mission's outcomes, noting any anomalies or challenges encountered.
Complete and submit detailed flight logs, data reports, and relevant information to assigned personnel within the designated timeline.
Data Processing and Analysis:
Work with GIS and mapping software to process raw data into actionable insights, creating maps, 3D models, or terrain analysis as required by the project.
Present findings in an accessible format, highlighting any key observations or insights.

5. Team Coordination and Communication:
Collaboration with Project Teams:
Coordinate with project managers, data analysts, and other relevant personnel to align on mission objectives, data requirements, and reporting schedules.
Stakeholder Reporting:
Communicate project progress, challenges, and outcomes to clients and stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement:
Share feedback and observations to support ongoing improvements in UAV operations, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
Experience:
Minimum of 0.5-2 years of experience as a UAV Pilot in mapping, surveying, or related fields.
Previous experience with drone-based photogrammetry and GIS software is a strong plus.

Technical Skills:
Proficiency in operating UAV systems, including mission planning and data capture software.
Familiarity with mapping and surveying tools such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS, etc.
Strong understanding of data extraction, processing, and data analysis techniques.

Soft Skills:
Excellent communication and team collaboration abilities.
Strong problem-solving skills and situational awareness for real-time flight adjustments.
Detail-oriented approach for accurate data handling and reporting.

Travel Requirements:
Ability to work in various field conditions and adapt to challenging environments.
Willingness to travel to project sites as required, sometimes on short notice.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to be part of innovative projects that drive impact in mapping, surveying, and beyond. You’ll work alongside a skilled team and gain exposure to new UAV technology. If you’re passionate about UAV technology and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button or send your resume to careers@karmandrones.com with the subject line "Drone Pilot" or "Drone Co-Pilot", depending on the role you're interested in.