About the role The Chief Remote Pilot is the accountable authority for the safe, compliant, and effective conduct of all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations across DroneShield, with end-to-end responsibility for ensuring activities are executed in accordance with the organisation’s ReOC, applicable CASA regulations, and relevant aviation legislation. The role provides operational leadership and governance over Remote Pilots and Operational Crew, establishes and enforces operational standards, and ensures DroneShield’s drone activities—ranging from routine operations through to complex EVLOS and BVLOS missions—are conducted safely while supporting data collection, test and evaluation, demonstrations, and customer delivery. Working closely with Engineering, Test & Evaluation, Drone Operations, and Delivery teams, the Chief Remote Pilot enables flight operations that are operationally credible and compliant, drives continuous improvement through lessons learned and post-activity reviews, contributes to DroneShield’s drone intelligence capability, and represents the organisation professionally within aviation, defence, and industry forums, while demonstrating a strong ownership mindset and the flexibility to address operational and safety challenges beyond immediate role boundaries. Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations Ensure Drone Operations are conducted in accordance with the conditions of the ReOC and relevant civil aviation legislation. Types of UAS operations include: - Multi-rotors - Aeroplane - Powered lift - Helicopter - Custom FPVs - EVLOS Class 1 & 2 and BVLOS. Ensure that Remote Pilots (RP)and Operational Crew (OC) are suitably qualified and have experience and skills to enable them to fulfil the duties of their position satisfactorily. Maintain a record of qualifications held by the RP and OC. Monitor the operational standards and ability of the RP and OC. Review compliance and facilities by: - Conducting internal audits - Reviewing audit findings - Taking any necessary corrective action to rectify deficiencies as soon as possible Review scheduling and rostering to ensure that fatigue does not adversely affect the safety of operations. Provide the RP and OC with ready access to all documents and manuals necessary to ensure the safety of all flights. Maintain oversight of airspace approvals, NOTAMs (where applicable), and coordination with other airspace users. Contribute to the DroneShield’s drone intelligence database. Drive continuous improvement of RPA operations through lessons learned, post-activity reviews, and feedback from internal and external stakeholders. Stay current with changes in aviation legislation, CASA guidance, and industry best practice, and assess impacts to DroneShield’s operations. Represent DroneShield professionally in aviation, defence, and industry forums as required. Provide support to broader project delivery efforts across data collection, test & evaluation, and demonstrations High work ethic and the desire to take ownership over tasks/problems that may fall outside of your immediate job description/team Qualifications, Experience and Skills Registered Remote Pilot License with advanced CASA endorsements and/or TAFE level qualifications. Strong track record of managing ReOC program(s) with complex operations and CASA endorsements other than multi-rotors. Proficient use of flight data management systems. Valid Drivers Licence. Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.
