Job Title: UAV Operator - Fixed Wing Program
Location: Hyderabad / Field Deployments (India)
Mandatory Requirement: Proven fixed-wing UAV operational experience
About Adani Defence & Aerospace
Adani Defence & Aerospace is one of India's leading Defence and aerospace organizations, specializing in unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, Defence electronics, and advanced aerospace platforms. Aligned with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, the company is committed to building indigenous, mission-critical Defence capabilities through innovation, engineering excellence, and global technology partnerships.
Role Overview
We are seeking Fixed Wing UAV Operators for the Tactical ISR UAV Program. The role involves autonomous UAV mission execution, ISR payload operation, launcher and recovery operations, trials, inspections, and operator/instructor training. The operator will function not only as a UAV pilot, but also as a Mission Operator / Mission Commander, responsible for safe autonomous flight supervision, payload exploitation, and mission success in Defence and security environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Flight Operations & Mission Execution
• Conduct fixed-wing UAV flight operations using fully autonomous mission profiles from launch to recovery.
• Supervise autonomous take-off (pneumatic launcher), en-route navigation, and parachute-based recovery.
• Execute missions under varied terrain, weather, and operational constraints.
• Act as Mission Commander for single-operator ISR missions when required.
• Monitor UAV health, flight modes, propulsion status, and contingency logic during missions.
2. Launcher, Recovery & Field Deployment
• Deploy, operate, and secure pneumatic UAV launch systems, including safety and pressure checks.
• Supervise autonomous parachute and air-bag recovery, post-landing safety, and air-vehicle inspection.
• Conduct site assessment for launch and recovery suitability and crew safety.
• Perform rapid deployment, teardown, and redeployment in field conditions.
3. Mission Planning & Ground Control Station (GCS)
• Plan and execute ISR missions using Mini Ground Control Stations (MGCS).
• Create, modify, and manage autonomous flight routes, waypoints, loiter areas, and recovery points.
• Operate and interpret tactical maps, overlays, and terrain data (WGS-84, GeoTIFF, DTED).
• Perform in-mission re-tasking and route modification as per operational requirements.
4. EO/IR Payload Operation & ISR Exploitation
• Operate EO/IR gimbaled payloads for day and night ISR missions.
• Conduct target detection, tracking, and surveillance using manual and automatic tracking modes.
• Perform basic imagery interpretation and support ISR reporting workflows.
• Utilize geo-pointing, coordinate-based observation, and target tracking features.
• Support dissemination of ISR feeds to remote video terminals (RVTs) and stakeholders.
5. Data Link & Contingency Management
• Operate and monitor encrypted UAV data links (LOS operations).
• Understand LOS limitations, antenna orientation, and communication constraints.
• Execute defined link-loss, GPS degradation, and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate recovery actions during communication degradation or loss.
6. Trials, Acceptance & Inspections
• Conduct Pre-Dispatch Inspection (PDI) and Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI) activities.
• Perform Built-In Tests (BIT) and system validations before missions.
• Support field trials, demonstrations, and customer acceptance activities.
• Coordinate with engineering and testing teams for anomaly reporting and system feedback.
7. Training & Knowledge Transfer
• Deliver operator-level and instructor-level training on the same UAV platform to internal teams as well as external customers / clients.
• Conduct classroom, simulator-based, and field training covering normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
• Support customer induction, system handover, and post-delivery operational training activities.
• Support development of SOPs, checklists, user manuals, and training material.
• Mentor junior operators and support operational readiness.
• Willingness to travel extensively across customer locations, test ranges, and deployment sites as and when required for training, trials, demonstrations, and support.
8. Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate logs for flights, missions, inspections, and maintenance actions.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, operational SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, reviews, and compliance activities.
Required Qualifications
• 2-5 years of hands-on experience operating fixed-wing UAVs.
• Prior experience in defence, aerospace, military, or paramilitary UAV operations.
• Strong understanding of UAV flight control systems, avionics, and autonomous operations.
• Hands-on experience with UAV Ground Control Stations (GCS).
• Familiarity with UAV safety standards, field operations, and acceptance testing.
• UAV Pilot Certification / DGCA-compliant training (desirable).
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with tactical ISR UAV systems.
• Exposure to long-endurance, long-range fixed-wing platforms.
• Experience operating EO/IR payloads for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Background in aerospace, avionics, electronics, mechatronics, or mechanical engineering.
• Experience as a UAV instructor or mission commander.
Key Competencies
• High situational awareness and disciplined decision-making.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to operate independently in austere and field environments.
• Clear communication skills for training and operational coordination.
• Safety-first, mission-oriented mindset.
Why Join Us?
Join Adani Defence & Aerospace to work on front-line tactical ISR UAV systems supporting national security missions. This role offers deep exposure to autonomous fixed-wing UAVs, ISR operations, and defence-grade deployments, along with opportunities to grow into lead operator, instructor, or mission commander roles.
Read LessRole & responsibilities
Hands on Experience in Handling P & L of plant, Process Knowledge and Weapon and Arms industry experience with MNC culture exposure.
Overall responsibility for running the plant with particular focus on Health & Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost and Delivery performance targets and ensures that regulations regarding Labour law, quality and environmental issues are met all times.
Communicates performance target requirements effectively and fully support System and all related continues improvement activities. Runs department/business in line with company values.
Safety & Operational Excellence
Zero incidents, zero wastage, zero rejection culture to be inculcated in the employeesSix sigma implementation and certification across plant processesTraining and people development on quality management systems aligned to international standardsTargets to bring control and efficiency in every cost category with quarterly targets and clear ownershipComplete compliance to Arms Act, Factory Act, Labor Laws, Local Laws, EXIM requirements with 0 deviations cultureSourcing & Supply Chain excellence
Detailed mapping of current vendors for the supply chain; additional vendors who can be developed for risk mitigationEstablishing relationship of trust and collaboration for mutual growth and development with suppliers (not transactional based on L1)Strict targets on supply chain efficiency without compromising quality; establish an ecosystem aligned to PLR current and future requirementsSupplier certification and quality management systems to be aligned to PLR (Adani and IWI philosophy); rigorous inspection and assurance mechanismsTransparent sourcing practices and processes (define the process with clear DOA aligned to Adanis/ IWIs sourcing methodologies)Ecosystem management
Establish strong relationship with the local villagers and districts, understanding their needs and concernsPut in place CSR programs to help in community development, job creation and building respect for the brandEnsure intelligence on the ground for one off eventsEducation
UG: B.Tech/B.E. - Bachelor of Technology / Engineering in Any Specialization
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