Job PurposeThe Drone Operations Lead will be responsible for planning, managing, and executing end-to-end drone operations across projects. The role will lead drone pilots and field teams, ensure safe and compliant flight operations, maintain operational readiness of the drone fleet, coordinate project execution, and ensure timely delivery of operational targets.

Key Roles & Responsibilities1. Drone Operations Management

- Lead and manage day-to-day drone operations across multiple projects and locations.
- Plan flight operations based on project requirements, timelines, manpower, and equipment availability.
- Ensure efficient utilization of drones, pilots, technicians, and other operational resources.
- Monitor field operations and ensure projects are executed as per defined SOPs.

2. Pilot & Field Team Management
- Manage, allocate, and supervise Drone Pilots, Technicians, and Field Executives.
- Prepare pilot deployment and operational rosters based on project requirements.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide operational guidance to the team.
- Identify training and certification requirements for pilots and field personnel.

3. Flight Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all drone operations comply with applicable DGCA regulations, company policies, and project-specific requirements.
- Ensure pilots possess valid and relevant certifications/authorizations wherever required.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight safety checks.
- Ensure adherence to approved flight plans, operational SOPs, airspace restrictions, and safety protocols.
- Maintain records of flight operations, incidents, near misses, and corrective actions.

4. Drone Fleet & Equipment Management
- Ensure operational readiness of drones, payloads, batteries, controllers, and accessories.




- Coordinate with the technical/maintenance team for preventive maintenance and repairs.
- Maintain records of drone utilization, battery cycles, maintenance, damage, and downtime.
- Ensure proper handling, transportation, storage, and inventory of drone equipment.

5. Project Execution
- Coordinate with project managers and clients to understand operational requirements and deliverables.
- Develop operational plans, deployment schedules, and resource requirements for projects.
- Ensure field teams achieve project targets within agreed timelines.
- Resolve operational issues and coordinate with internal teams for timely escalation and closure.

6. Data & Reporting
- Ensure accurate collection, validation, and submission of drone operation data.
- Review flight logs, mission reports, imagery/data outputs, and operational records.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.
- Track key operational metrics including flight hours, missions completed, pilot productivity, drone utilization, downtime, incidents, and project completion.

7. Quality Control
- Ensure drone missions are conducted according to defined quality standards.
- Review operational outputs and identify errors, gaps, or deviations.
- Implement corrective and preventive actions to improve operational quality.




- Work with the technical/data teams to resolve issues affecting project deliverables.

8. Training & SOP Development
- Develop and continuously improve operational SOPs, checklists, and safety procedures.
- Conduct induction and operational training for new pilots and field staff.
- Organize refresher training and practical assessments for existing pilots.
- Promote a solid safety and compliance culture across the operations team.

9. Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate with drone manufacturers, service providers, repair vendors, training institutes, and other external partners.
- Support procurement decisions for drones, payloads, batteries, and operational equipment.
- Coordinate with government authorities and other stakeholders wherever required for project execution.

10. Cost & Resource Optimization
- Monitor operational expenses and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
- Optimize pilot deployment, travel, equipment usage, and field logistics.
- Identify opportunities to reduce operational downtime and improve productivity.

Ideal Candidate Profile
- 5–8 years of experience in drone/UAV operations, aviation, field operations, or a similar environment.
- Strong understanding of drone operations, flight planning, safety procedures, and field deployment.
- Experience managing drone pilots and field teams.
- Knowledge of DGCA drone regulations and operational compliance.
- Strong troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
- Willingness to travel extensively to project locations.
- Strong reporting, documentation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Drone Pilot certification/experience.

Candidates interested to apply, please drop your resume to [email protected].

📌 Drone Operations Lead (Hyderabad)
🏢 Saurava Drones AI and Logistics Private
📍 Hyderabad