UAV Pilot | Drone Operator (Portugal Remote | B2B Contract | Part-Time)

About this role

Location: Portugal National (with training travel to Latvia)Engagement Type: Independent B2B Consultant Agreement (Part-Time)
TimelineAugust 2026: Mandatory international travel to Latvia for technical training and platform onboarding.
September - November 2026: Execution of the live client demonstrations and showcase flights in Portugal (exact dates and locations to be confirmed).
We are seeking a highly skilled external UAV Consultant to support a national drone technology company. In this independent B2B consultancy role, you will lead high-profile flight operations, manage technical field execution, and run live product demonstrations for potential public and private sector clients.
You will operate advanced autonomous eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing drones for industrial and commercial missions, including infrastructure inspection, surveillance, and cargo delivery. The role requires strong technical competence, excellent presentation skills, and immediate availability for international travel.

Training & Onboarding (August): Travel internationally to the company's engineering hub in Latvia for comprehensive, specialized technical training on the platform.
Demonstrations & Execution (September): Lead and execute autonomous BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) demonstration flights and industrial proof-of-concepts in Portugal (7 Kg and 25 Kg class fixed-wing drones)
Mission Planning: Conduct pre-flight checks, terrain risk analysis, and mission planning using advanced Ground Control Station (GCS) software.
Payload Management: Configure and manage specialized payloads, including LiDAR, thermal/IR cameras, and EO/IR gimbal systems.
Client Interface: Present aircraft capabilities and technical features to institutional and private stakeholders during live field showcases.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform basic field maintenance, battery management, and technical troubleshooting, coordinating directly with remote engineering support when needed.

Because these long-range fixed-wing platforms operate BVLOS, this project operates strictly within the Specific Category framework. Standard Open Category (A2) certification alone is insufficient.
Base Certificates: EASA A1/A3 Open Category Certificate and EASA A2 Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency.
Specific Category Framework: Proven experience or deep operational familiarity with Specific Category authorizations, BVLOS flight procedures, and risk assessment processes (SORA / PDRA / STS-02).
Compliance Setup: A registered operator status with ANAC (Portuguese National Aviation Authority), mandatory Remote ID readiness, and valid third-party liability insurance for heavy UAVs.
Flight Profiles: Minimum 2 years of commercial drone piloting experience (industrial inspection, energy, or mapping heavily preferred).
Platform Familiarity: Proven experience with fixed-wing VTOL platforms and autonomous mission planning tools (handling differs significantly from standard multirotors).
Business Setup: Must hold a registered legal entity (B2B/Freelance structure) to invoice the company directly.
Languages:Dual fluency required:Portuguese (Native/Fluent): For local client interaction, landowner coordination, and ANAC regulatory compliance.
English (Conversational/Professional): Must-have for technical training in Latvia and communication with global engineering teams.

Mobility: Valid driver’s license and full flexibility to travel on short notice.

Contract Structure: This is a B2B consultancy agreement for a specific project phase running through August and September. It is designed to fit alongside existing freelance or contract commitments as a side project.
Career Progression: Exceptional consultants will be fast-tracked for a direct pathway to transition from a B2B contract partner into a permanent, internal employee position as the local Portuguese operations expand (terms TBD).
Field Focus: This phase is heavily field-based (60-70%), requiring outdoor operations, setup of remote launch sites, and physical handling of equipment cases.
Compensation: Hourly/daily rate plus fully covered travel expenses, or a project package that can be discussed individually based on experience.