Full Time, fixed term for 2 years, located on the Engineering precinct at the University of Sydney
Exciting opportunity to innovate, lead, collaborate, advise, pioneer, manage, influence, ensure, support, and elevate
Base Salary (HEO8) $126,065 - $142,171 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney is seeking a Chief Remote Pilot to provide technical, operational and logistical support for research & development projects involving Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, while managing infrastructure, equipment and contractor coordination.

This role fulfils the University’s Chief Remote Pilot and Maintenance Controller responsibilities under the ReOC, working autonomously to deliver innovative solutions and ensure research projects are completed on time and within budget. The position also collaborates with academics, students and stakeholders to provide expert guidance and support across a broad range of research activities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

ensure all RPAS operations comply with the Civil Aviation Act, Regulations, and the University's Operating Certificate
monitor and maintain operational standards, supervising Remote Pilots operating under the ReOC
oversee RPAS maintenance, including standards, defect records, serviceability of equipment, and personnel qualifications
act as the primary point of contact with CASA and manage applications, approvals, and mandatory incident reporting requirements.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Chief Remote Pilot who has:

relevant Bachelor's Degree - an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
remote Pilots Licence (RePL) Multi-rotor – Up to 25kg · Aeroplane – Up to 25kg · Powered Lift – Up to 7kg Ability to upgrade qualifications towards larger platforms systems as required for projects/tasks
an aeronautical radio Operator Certificate (AROC)
experience in flying UAVs for high quality data collection.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Monika Browning, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 19 May 2026 11:59 PM

University of Sydney

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