What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of UAV Operations position at Bulbul Drone Delivery?
Position: Head of UAV Operations
Location: Irvine, California
Role: Part-Time
About Bulbul
Bulbul Drone Delivery is a California-based deep-tech startup building the future of autonomous aerial logistics. Our proprietary drone technology, cloud-connected systems, and advanced BVLOS capabilities are shaping the next generation of last-mile delivery across healthcare, quick commerce, and emergency relief.
As we prepare to launch our first pilot operations in January 2026, we’re looking for a highly experienced Head of UAV Operations to lead all flight operations, regulatory compliance, and operational scaling.
Role Overview
The Head of UAV Operations will lead all drone BVLOS operations, manage operational teams, and ensure safety, reliability, and FAA regulatory compliance. This role requires a seasoned leader with hands-on UAV experience, strong operational judgment, and the ability to build and scale drone operations from the ground up.
You will collaborate closely with Engineering, Product, Regulatory, Safety, and Leadership teams to establish best-in-class operational frameworks for autonomous UAV delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Leadership
- Build, lead, and manage all UAV operations teams (pilots, field engineers, safety, and flight operations staff).
- Develop operational SOPs, training guidelines, and emergency response procedures.
- Oversee daily flight operations, route planning, fleet readiness, and field performance.
Safety & Compliance
- Please ensure that you follow FAA regulations, safety protocols, and compliance standards.
- Lead BVLOS operations planning, approvals, and safety case development.
- Establish risk assessment frameworks, flight logs, and operational audits.
Technical & Field Execution
- Oversee drone testing, mission execution, maintenance, troubleshooting, and readiness checks.
- Work with engineering to optimize aircraft performance, reliability, and automation workflows.
- Continuously improve operational efficiency through data, technology, and field feedback loops.
Strategic Growth
- Lead operational planning for new deployments and expansions.
- Manage operational budgets, resource planning, and performance metrics.
- Act as the operational face of the company in front of regulators, partners, and stakeholders.
Qualifications
- 5 years of experience with UAV operations (commercial/defense/logistics).
- Certified Part 107 Remote Pilot.
- Experience under Part 135 operations or working with 135 certification processes.
- Proven experience leading drone operations, BVLOS programs, or commercial UAV fleets.
- Strong understanding of FAA Part 107, BVLOS waivers, CONOPS, and aviation safety frameworks.
- Ability to build processes from scratch for a high-growth deep-tech startup.
- Located in or near Orange County, or willing to relocate.
What We Offer
- A leadership role with direct impact on the future of drone logistics.
- A high-impact leadership role with direct visibility to the board and investors.
- Opportunity to build one of the most advanced UAV operations programs in the U.S.
- Equity-based role with long-term upside as an early leadership hire.
How to Apply
If you're passionate about UAVs, love solving operational challenges, and want to lead flight operations for one of the most innovative drone delivery startups in California, we’d love to connect.
Apply directly on LinkedIn, or submit your resume to hello@bulbuldelivery.com
Join us in shaping the future of drone technology! Apply Today!