The Role:
We're looking for a Director of UAS Services to own and grow our unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) vertical end to end. This is a full ownership role: you'll run operations, drive revenue, manage projects and programs, own regulatory and licensing compliance, author the SOPs that govern how we fly, and stand up our emerging counter-UAS (detection) capability.
This is not a chief-pilot seat. You'll set the strategy and own the number, then execute against it hands-on. You'll build and lead the pilot and program teams, sell the service to commercial and government clients, keep us clean with the FAA, and shape a new line of business as it scales. If you've run a drone program as a business and want the mandate to build one from the ground up, this is the seat.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own the UAS vertical end to end, including revenue targets, budgeting, and business planning across both commercial and government client segments
- Lead day-to-day flight operations, including crew scheduling, mission planning, safety oversight, equipment readiness, and field execution
- Drive sales and business development, from prospecting and scoping through proposal, pricing, and close, and serve as the senior technical voice in client conversations
- Manage projects and programs across multiple concurrent client engagements, owning scope, timeline, deliverables, and client satisfaction
- Own all UAS regulatory and licensing compliance, including FAA Part 107 certification, waiver and airspace authorization submissions, and maintenance of currency and documentation across the pilot team
- Author, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing flight operations, safety, maintenance, data handling, and client delivery
- Stand up and grow FCS's emerging counter-UAS capability, focused on drone detection and airspace awareness (detection only; no active mitigation)
- Develop and maintain the software, scripting, and automation that support mission planning, data processing, and reporting workflows
- Recruit, train, and lead pilots, technicians, and program staff as the vertical scales
- Build relationships with equipment vendors, technology partners, and regulatory contacts
REQUIREMENTS
- 5+ years of progressive experience in UAS/drone operations, with demonstrated ownership of a program, service line, or business unit
- Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with demonstrated experience obtaining Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations
- Proven revenue or business-ownership experience, with a track record of growing a book of business or service line
- Direct sales or business development experience, including client-facing scoping, proposals, and closing
- Hands-on operational experience planning and executing drone missions in real-world conditions
- Experience authoring SOPs, safety programs, or operational documentation
- Working proficiency in scripting or programming (e.g., Python) for automation, data processing, or mission workflows
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to move between highly technical teams and non-technical executives and clients
- Willingness to travel up to 50% and a valid driver's license