_{31st August, 2026}

About Drone Forge
Drone Forge is a Western Australian RPAS/drone capability integrator operating across defence, government, and commercial sectors, delivering platforms, payloads, and operational services through its CASA-certified operations. The Field FSR Pilot is a client-facing, deployable role at the centre of Drone Forge's field delivery capability — supporting defence programs, commercial survey and inspection work, and emergency services engagements.

Purpose of the Role
The Field FSR Pilot is responsible for the safe, compliant, and technically proficient operation of Drone Forge RPAS platforms in field environments, including short-notice deployment to client sites across Australia. The role combines remote pilot duties with a field service function — supporting platform serviceability, client liaison on-site, and first-line technical troubleshooting, in coordination with the Maintenance Controller and Remote Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities Flight Operations

• Plan and conduct RPAS flight operations in accordance with the applicable ReOC (Drone Forge Pty Ltd / Wedgetail Aerospace / Wedgetail Academy), CASA regulations, and Drone Forge SOPs.
• Conduct BVLOS and VLOS operations as authorised, including SORA-governed missions where applicable.
• Complete pre-flight risk assessments, site surveys, and airspace checks specific to the deployed location.
• Operate payload systems relevant to the tasking (e.g. LiDAR, photogrammetry, thermal, multispectral) and manage data capture to Drone Forge quality standards.

Field Deployment

• Deploy to field sites on short notice including remote, regional and international locations.
• Confirm availability or raise any genuine impediment (e.g. a pre-approved leave conflict or fitness-for-deployment concern), as soon as practicable after being notified of a deployment.
• Operate autonomously on-site for extended periods, managing own logistics, accommodation, and site coordination within Company policy.
• Act as the primary on-site point of contact for the client during deployment, escalating technical, safety, or contractual issues to the Remote Operations Manager as required.
• Maintain situational awareness of site-specific hazards, including remote-area, industrial, or austere-environment risks.
• Where a short-notice deployment would require work inconsistent with fatigue management requirements, raise this with the Remote Operations Manager so the tasking, crew, or timing can be adjusted.

Maintenance and Airworthiness Support

• Conduct first-line field servicing, fault diagnosis, and minor repairs on deployed platforms, in accordance with Maintenance Controller instructions and manufacturer guidance.
• Maintain accurate aircraft and equipment records in AVCRM, including flight logs, defect reports, and maintenance releases.
• Manage and account for field kit, spares, and equipment issued for deployment, returning items in accordance with Company process.
• Escalate any airworthiness concern immediately and ground the aircraft where required, in line with Drone Forge's safety management system.

Compliance and Safety

• Operate within the compliance gate workflow for tasking sign-off (Maintenance Controller / Compliance and Safety Controller sign-off prior to deployment where required).
• Maintain current RePL, medical certification, and any type ratings required for assigned platforms.
• Complete fitness-for-deployment requirements prior to mobilisation where requested.
• Report all incidents, near-misses, and safety observations promptly in accordance with Drone Forge's SMS.

Client and Commercial Support

• Represent Drone Forge professionally on client sites, including defence, government, and commercial premises.
• Support data handover, client briefings, and basic technical Q&A on-site.
• Identify and report additional client needs or commercial opportunities to the Remote Operations Manager or Business Development.

Selection Criteria Essential

• Current CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), with category/class relevant to Drone Forge's platform portfolio.
• Current CASA medical certificate (or equivalent self-declaration where applicable).
• Demonstrated field operational experience with multirotor and/or fixed-wing and/or VTOL RPAS platforms.
• Willingness and ability to deploy nationally or internationally on short notice, including to remote or regional sites.
• Sound working knowledge of CASA Part 101 operations and BVLOS/SORA concepts.
• Valid driver's licence; ability to obtain relevant background checks / security clearance where required for defence tasking.
• Physically capable of field deployment conditions, including equipment handling and extended on-site periods.

Desirable

• Experience with LiDAR, photogrammetry, or thermal/multispectral payload systems.
• Basic field maintenance, avionics, or airframe repair experience.
• Prior experience in defence, mining, or emergency services operating environments.
• Existing Australian Government security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Experience with post-processing workflows.

Working Conditions

• Base location: Perth City Office and/or Landsdale Facility, with field deployment across Australia and internationally required as a core condition of the role.
• Work may involve remote, outdoor, and variable-weather environments, and may require irregular hours while deployed, subject to fatigue management requirements.
• Personal protective equipment and field kit are issued by the Company and must be maintained and returned in accordance with the equipment register.
• Reasonable amounts of domestic and international travel as required.
• A term of work outside of this job description may be required at the Company's request.

Reporting and Interfaces

• Reports operationally to the Remote Operations Manager for tasking, rostering, and deployment direction.
• Interfaces with the Maintenance Controller on airworthiness, spares, and field repair matters.
• Interfaces with the Compliance and Safety Controller on regulatory and safety sign-off.

Veterans are encouraged to apply
Defence experience desirable

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