Flight Operations Manager

Job description

About the company and the role At Lendurai, we enable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate independently of global navigation satellite systems and radio control, using computer vision and machine learning. We partner with multiple UAV manufacturers to deliver cost effective capabilities to public sector and defence customers. Our core team has substantial experience in aerospace engineering and developing computer vision applications across Europe, including at companies like Bolt, Ericsson, and Milrem. As Flight Operations Manager, you will own Lendurai’s day-to-day flight-test and operational execution loop in Estonia: plan, fly, measure, iterate, document, and showcase our technology to end-users in defence, public sector, and OEM partner environments.This is a hands-on operational leadership role. You will be responsible not only for flying and testing UAV systems, but also for building the operational discipline needed for Specific Category operations, including SORA-aligned procedures, flight documentation, risk controls, airspace coordination, crew readiness, and safety management. What you will be doing Plan, coordinate, and execute flight operations for R&D, testing, training, demonstrations, and customer missions. Conduct manual and automated UAV flights, including FPV multirotor and fixed-wing operations. Own the full flight-test cycle from mission planning and risk assessment to data capture, post-flight analysis, and engineering feedback. Cooperate to ensure operations comply with SOPs, airspace requirements, safety mitigations, operational authorisations, and SORA procedures. Develop and improve operational procedures, checklists, safety processes, and risk controls. Coordinate airspace permissions, operational approvals, and mission-specific stakeholders. Maintain testing schedules and ensure development, validation, and demonstration activities are well prepared. Maintain fleet readiness through configuration control, firmware updates, maintenance coordination, and field troubleshooting. Own the readiness of Lendurai’s testing van, including equipment, tools, batteries, spare parts, safety gear, documentation, inventory, and field deployment standards. Train technicians, drone operators, customers, and other users on equipment, workflows, and safety procedures. Analyse telemetry and flight data, provide actionable feedback to engineering and product teams, and promote a safety-first culture. We are looking for Required Proven experience operating multirotor FPV (A1/A3 license) Strong understanding of manual/automated flight modes and ground control software Experience dealing with flight logistics, such as checking the EANS Drone Map, tracking NOTAMs, Estonian airspace regulations, reserving flight areas, and coordinating directly with airfields or local property owners Proven ability to stay calm, maintain situational awareness, and execute clear-headed technical troubleshooting when things break in fast-paced or high-stakes environments. Basic technical troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. Proficiency in English and Estonian. EU/NATO member state citizenship B driving license Nice to have Experience in flying fixed-wing UAV Familiarity with EASA Specific Category rules or experience with SORA risk assessments Working knowledge of EASA Regulation 2019/947 and 2019/945. Technical background in hardware, electronics or software engineering. Prior experience running live product demonstrations or training sessions for public sector or defense clients. A2 or STS license Military service history What we offer Monthly gross salary of €3,000-4,500, based on experience and impact. Ability to shape Lendurai’s operational foundation as an early hire. Direct influence over flight-test methodology, operational safety, technical validation, and customer demonstrations. A high-ownership role at the intersection of UAV operations, autonomy, computer vision, and defence technology. A focus on outcomes, not bureaucracy. Freedom of working in nature. Join Lendurai to help build the operational backbone for the next generation of resilient UAV autonomy.