What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Flight Test & Operations Engineering position at Odys Aviation?
About Odys
Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.
To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners ( Fiji Airways , Honeywell , Aramex , US Navy) beginning in late 2025 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract.
We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops ( completed transition flight faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly. Together, we’ve been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives.
About The Role
Are you an experienced aviation leader with a passion for pioneering flight testing and operational excellence? Do you excel in steering complex flight test programs and operational strategies, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in every mission? If so, we invite you to lead our dynamic team as the Head of Flight Test and Operations, where your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our cutting-edge aerospace endeavors.
In this strategic role, you will oversee all aspects of flight testing and operations—from planning and execution to evaluation and continuous improvement. You will collaborate closely with engineering, design, production, and maintenance teams to develop robust test protocols and operational procedures that push the boundaries of performance while maintaining the highest safety standards. Your leadership will be pivotal in refining our flight test methodologies, optimizing day-to-day operations, and ensuring seamless integration across all project phases.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive flight test strategies and detailed plans that align with both engineering and business objectives for our UAS development. These strategies will support design verification through the SORA process.
Lead our demonstration programs across the EU, US, and additional markets.
Obtain Light UAS Operator Certificate (SAIL 2 initially) for demo operations with LBA.
Provide support to the development of training material.
Oversee all flight test operations to ensure they meet strict internal standards and adhere to regulatory requirements. This includes developing and maintaining a company-wide Flight Test Operations Manual that sets out best practices and standardized procedures.
Design the entire flight test program by working with the team to identify requirements.
Use the simulator to evaluate test plans and risks.
Perform Preflight flight test planning & coordination.
Conduct post flight reviews and documentation.
Manage the Flight Test & Operations budget.
Oversee, direct and grow the flight operations team and capabilities.
Requirements
A strong understanding of aerospace technology and regulations, particularly as they apply to UAS development, design verification via SORA processes, and pilot program execution across multiple regions (EU, US, and beyond).
A minimum of 5 years of strong management and leadership experience, with a proven track record in flight test engineering and aviation management.
Direct experience in flight operations and flight test engineering, including senior or managerial roles.
Strong interpersonal and customer relationship skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments.
Experience with >
55lb UAVs (including part 107).
An active pilot’s license is preferred.
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