Director, Global Flight Operations

At Nova Sky Stories , we empower artists and producers to bring awe and wonder to live audiences around the world. As the global leader in drone entertainment , we’ve been redefining live shows for over a decade—merging cutting-edge drone technology with imaginative artistry. With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise, and safe drones that perform in the most demanding environments—urban centers, extreme temperatures, and high winds. The result? Sky Stories that inspire, captivate, and transform the sky into a canvas of imagination. Headquartered in the U.S. with teams across Europe and the UAE, Nova Sky Stories works with the world’s leading brands, venues, and events. Follow us: @NovaSkyStories About the job About this role: As the Director, Global Flight Operations at Nova Sky Stories, you will lead and scale flight operations for drone light shows performed around the world. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and high-quality execution across diverse regulatory environments, requiring deep expertise in multi-jurisdiction permitting and aviation oversight. You will work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and creative teams to translate complex show concepts into precise, executable flight operations—balancing strict aviation requirements with the creative demands of large-scale aerial performances. As a Director, Global Flight Operations, you’ll be responsible for: Lead and develop a global team of pilots and regional leads Partner cross-functionally with engineering, product, production, and commercial teams Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies to support operations Strategy & Operational Leadership Define and execute a global flight operations strategy to support safe, compliant, and scalable drone light show operations Develop and manage budgets, forecasting resources to support growth and efficiency Align flight operations capabilities with business goals, including new market expansion and large-scale productions Global Operations & Execution Oversee end-to-end planning and execution of drone light show operations across all regions Ensure consistency, performance, and operational excellence across all deployments Maintain operational readiness, including equipment, systems, and field execution standards Lead post-show reviews and continuous improvement of operational performance Build and standardize scalable workflows, processes, and operational frameworks across regions Track and improve key performance metrics to drive efficiency and reliability Develop and maintain SOPs, flight manuals, and operational documentation Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Ensure global compliance with aviation authorities (FAA, EASA, and others) Lead permitting strategies and secure approvals across multiple jurisdictions Establish and maintain operational standards, certifications, and insurance requirements Represent the company in regulatory discussions and support evolving policy development Safety & Risk Management Own and evolve the Safety Management System (SMS) Establish and enforce safety standards, risk assessments, and emergency procedures Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement Partner with engineering and product teams to test and implement new technologies and tools Identify opportunities to enhance automation, workflows, and operational efficiency Support innovation in flight systems, deployment, and show execution You’ll need to have: Extensive experience in aviation or UAS operations, including leadership in complex environments Strong knowledge of aviation regulations Proven ability to scale operations across multiple regions or markets Experience developing SOPs, flight manuals, and operational frameworks Hands-on experience with UAS flight operations Strong leadership and team-building skills across distributed teams Ability to balance safety, compliance, and operational efficiency Strategic, execution-focused mindset with strong organizational skills Experience managing budgets, operational strategy, and multi-region programs Demonstrated ability to navigate regulatory environments and secure approvals Experience integrating new technologies and driving continuous improvement It’s a plus if you have: Experience in live events, entertainment, or high-tempo field operations Passion for aviation, technology, and live experiences Comfortable in fast-paced, evolving environments with frequent travel What will make you successful: Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, evolving environment Willingness to travel frequently and be present at live show operations Proactive, solutions-oriented, and adaptable Passion for aviation, technology, and live experiences Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000 USD At Nova Sky Stories, we're building something that has never existed before—and we want our team members to share in that journey. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) with company matching Flexible PTO and paid sick leave Paid parental leave Company-paid holidays Equity opportunities for eligible employees Compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Health Insurance 401(k) Matching Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Flexible Work Arrangements Vision Insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr SCALIS