Chief Remote Pilot

Lead groundbreaking RPAS research initiatives while navigating complex regulations, fostering innovation, and spearheading adventures in the skies

Broaden your career within one of QLD’s largest employers

Be part of an organisation with a meaningful purpose and impact

Based at the

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of are available, such as:

26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

17% superannuation contributions, 17.5% annual leave loading

Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

On campus childcare options

Discount parking (from just $5.75 a day)

Salary packaging options

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a visionary leader to fill the pivotal role of Chief Remote Pilot within our esteemed institution. You will spearhead initiatives in collaboration with the Director of the new "UQ Drone Collaborative Research Platform", delivering Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) services for a wide range of applications. This is your chance to shape the future of RPAS technology, ensuring compliance with regulations while supporting innovation and impactful research outcomes. This position reports to the Director, Research Infrastructure.

 If you're passionate about aviation, cutting-edge technology, and making a difference, please join us

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Develop and maintain capabilities for RPAS research, development, training, and service activities, as the Chief Remote Pilot on UQ’s Operator Certificate (ReOC), working closely with the Director.

Lead the development and maintenance of RPAS-related documents, including Operations Manual and Safety Management System, adhering to industry standards.

Review proposed RPAS flights, maintain electronic flight records, and drive innovative enhancements to support Collaborative Research Platform goals.

Provide support and logistics for RPAS field operations, including piloting VTOL and large multi-rotor platforms, and lead field trips as needed.

Ensure best practices in RPAS activities through training/workshops for researchers and implementation of quality assurance processes.

Assist with procurement and maintenance of aviation hardware/software and establish/strengthen relationships with external stakeholders.

This is a Full-time , fixed-term position for up to 4 years. At HEW Level 9, the full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range of $127,496.67 to $134,829.23 plus a generous super allowance of 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range  $149,171.11 to $157,750.20 per annum. As these roles are covered by an Enterprise Agreement, you will also receive regular remuneration increases in line with the Enterprise Agreement.

About You

Advanced qualifications and/or experience in gaining authorisations for complex flight situations (e.g., BVLOS, swarm, restricted airspace) and deploying RPAS overseas.

Extensive experience as a drone pilot, holding a CASA Remote Pilot’s License (minimum multi-rotor