Drone as a Service — Ireland
Location: Ireland (field-based with travel to client sites)
Reports to: Chief Pilot / Operations Manager
Employment type: Full-time
About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic Drone Remote Pilot to join our growing Drone as a Service (DaaS) team. You will operate uncrewed aircraft on behalf of clients across a wide range of sectors — including construction, energy and utilities, telecoms, infrastructure, agriculture, real estate, surveying and insurance — capturing high-quality aerial data for surveys, inspections, mapping and bespoke projects.
This is an entry-level position ideal for someone who is passionate about drones and aerial technology, eager to learn, and ready to build a long-term career in the commercial UAS industry. Full training will be provided, including support to obtain your IAA / EASA drone qualifications if you do not already hold them.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and conduct safe drone operations in accordance with Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and EASA regulations (EU 2019/947) and our Operations Manual.
Carry out aerial surveys, photogrammetric mapping, topographic and volumetric surveys, and visual or thermal inspections across multiple industries.
Complete pre-flight checks, site risk assessments, airspace checks and weather assessments before every flight.
Operate a range of UAS platforms and payloads (RGB, thermal, multispectral, LiDAR — exposure provided as you progress).
Capture, download and hand over raw data to the data processing team, ensuring quality, completeness and correct file management.
Liaise professionally with clients on site, representing the company and providing a smooth, well-organised service.
Maintain drones, batteries and ancillary equipment in good working order, and report any issues promptly.
Keep accurate flight logs, incident reports and post-flight records.
Travel to client sites across Ireland (and occasionally Northern Ireland / UK), with overnight stays where required.
Continuously develop your knowledge of regulations, equipment and industry applications.
Essential Requirements
A full, valid Irish or EU driving licence (you will be driving company or hire vehicles to sites regularly).
Right to work in Ireland.
Strong interest in drones, aviation, geospatial technology or aerial imaging.
Good physical fitness — the role involves outdoor work, carrying equipment and working in varied weather conditions.
Excellent attention to detail and a strong safety-first mindset.
Confident communicator, comfortable working directly with clients on site.
Tech-savvy: comfortable with smartphones, tablets, flight-planning apps and basic file management.
Willingness to travel across Ireland, including occasional early starts, late finishes and overnight stays.
Eligible to register as a UAS Operator and Remote Pilot with the IAA.
Desirable (Not Mandatory)
A current IAA / EASA drone qualification — A1/A3 Open Category online certificate, A2 Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency (A2 CofC), or Specific Category / STS / GVC equivalent. If you don’t have one, we will sponsor and support you through it.
Recreational or hobbyist drone flying experience.
Background or interest in surveying, construction, GIS, photogrammetry, photography/videography or a related technical field.
Familiarity with software such as DJI Pilot, DroneDeploy, Pix4D, AutoCAD, QGIS or similar.
Basic understanding of Irish airspace and EASA UAS regulations (EU 2019/947 and EU 2019/945).
Awareness of IAA processes for operational authorisations and flight in controlled or restricted airspace.
First Aid certification (Occupational First Aider or equivalent).
What We Offer
Structured training programme, including funded IAA / EASA qualifications where applicable.
Hands-on experience across a broad range of industries and use cases.
Clear career progression toward Senior Pilot, Chief Pilot or specialist data roles.
Use of industry-leading drone hardware and software.
Company vehicle or mileage scheme, PPE and equipment provided.
Competitive salary, pension and annual leave allowance in line with Irish employment standards.
A friendly, fast-moving team that genuinely enjoys what it does.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity utilising hiring practices on merit and business needs. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and all others of legally protected status.
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