Manager, Flight Operations

About The Role Draganfly Innovations is seeking a Manager, Flight Operations to lead and scale U.S. flight operations with safety, compliance, and execution at the core. This role owns the operational framework that enables reliable deployment across defense, public safety, and commercial missions, while ensuring alignment with FAA Part 107 today and Part 108 in the future. This is a hands‐on leadership role for a systems builder. You will design and implement operational SOPs, safety management systems, and regulatory strategies that allow Draganfly to operate as a formal aviation program while remaining agile in the field. Acting as the primary liaison with the FAA, you will help position the company ahead of regulatory change and support advanced operational capabilities as the business scales. Key Responsibilities Operational Framework & Safety Systems Develop, standardize, and continuously refine flight operations SOPs across testing, demos, training, and internal missions Build a modular SOP library adaptable to different aircraft classes, mission profiles, and operating environments Design, implement, and maintain a formal Safety Management System (SMS) aligned with FAA and aviation best practices Establish hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, and audit processes Lead internal safety reviews and foster a proactive, safety‐first operational culture Regulatory Strategy & FAA Engagement Act as the primary liaison with the FAA for all U.S. flight operations Lead the development and submission of Part 107 waivers, exemptions (e.g., 44807), and future Part 108 frameworks Anticipate and prepare for regulatory shifts, including BVLOS and advanced autonomy Provide regulatory guidance and templates to strategic customers leveraging Draganfly hardware and software Operational Standards & Team Enablement Define and enforce internal operational standards across Field Operations, Engineering, and Testing teams Provide input on tools supporting pilot qualification tracking, fleet management, and learning management systems Lead and develop a small team of Chief Pilots as operational scale requires Partner cross‐functionally (including with Canadian teams) to align documentation and practices where regulations overlap Who You Really Are A hands‐on flight operations leader who builds scalable systems, not just processes Safety‐first and compliance‐driven, with a proactive aviation mindset Comfortable making decisions in complex, high‐consequence environments Clear, confident communicator with regulators, customers, and internal teams Experienced working cross‐functionally and valuing input from field operators Passionate about building a strong, collaborative operational culture Compensation package Competitive salary: $90,000 - $115,000 Health Coverage Reimbursement: We reimburse the cost of your existing or preferred healthcare plan (amount varies depending on family size). 401(k) program with employer matching Generous time-off program, including vacation, wellness days, and a week off between Christmas and New Year's. Professional development support, including assistance toward obtaining your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent training as required for operational roles. Qualifications Required 7+ years of experience in aviation or UAS flight operations, including leadership responsibility Manned aviation certification (PPL, CPL, or equivalent) Experience leading cross‐functional teams in high‐demand, customer‐facing operational environments Deep working knowledge of FAA Part 107, including waiver and exemption development and submission Demonstrated experience building flight operations SOPs and Safety Management Systems (SMS) from scratch Strong understanding of UAS mission planning, regulatory constraints, and field risk management Proven ability to design scalable operational processes, structure teams, and support multi‐vertical deployments Excellent communication, leadership, and crisis‐management skills in safety‐critical environments Ability to build a collaborative, inclusive operational culture that incorporates perspectives from all team members #J-18808-Ljbffr