Manager - Flight Operations Space42

Overview

ABOUT US

Mira Aerospace is a subsidiary of Space42 and a global leader in High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology, offering cutting-edge enterprise solutions for telecommunications, Earth observation and RF sensing use cases to clients across the public and private sector.

Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, we utilize Space42s extensive portfolio of geospatial intelligence and satellite communications technologies to power analytical insights from our unmanned stratospheric flight solutions.

For more information visit: https://miraaerospace.com/

Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered Space Tech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities.

Our vision is to pioneer beyond today for humanity to experience a better tomorrow. Space42 challenges traditional approaches with advanced AI and cutting-edge satellite technology, making space more accessible and redefining how data from space can be used on Earth. We aim to achieve this by connecting people to rewire potential, informing decisions to reimagine impact and enabling action to redefine tomorrow.

For more information visit: www.space42.ai, follow us on X and Instagram: @Space42ai

ROLE PURPOSE

Manager- Flight Operations leads all HAPS flight activities, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of test flights, demonstrations, and international campaigns. The role manages flight operations personnel, establishes operational procedures and training standards, and oversees flight readiness and risk assessments.

The position coordinates airspace, logistics, and infrastructure planning while supporting certification and regulatory processes. The role serves as the primary operational interface between engineering, program, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment between technical objectives and flight execution.

Responsibilities

• Flight Operations Leadership
• Lead planning and execution of all HAPS flight activities (test flights, client flight campaigns, demonstrations etc.).
• Develop and maintain flight operations manuals, SOPs, checklists, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure safe conduct of operations in accordance with internal safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct go/no-go decisions in coordination with technical team.
• Oversee flight readiness reviews and operational risk assessments.
• Team Management
• Train, and manage a team of flight operators and mission controllers.
• Define roles, responsibilities, shift structures, and escalation protocols.
• Develop training programs.
• Foster a strong safety culture and professional operational discipline.
• Flight Campaign Project Management
• Act as Project Manager for flight-related campaigns and deployments.
• Develop detailed campaign plans including:
• Airspace coordination
• Ground infrastructure setup
• Logistics and site readiness
• Support equipment planning
• Risk mitigation plans
• Coordinate with local authorities and partners for international flight operations.
• Ensure alignment between engineering test objectives and operational execution.
• Certification & Regulatory Support
• Support certification and airworthiness processes (e.g., SORA, SAIL, experimental permits, special category approvals).
• Contribute to operational documentation required for regulatory submissions.
• Participate in risk assessments, operational safety cases, and hazard analyses.
• Interface with civil aviation authorities during approvals, audits, and operational authorizations.
• Ensure operational compliance with applicable aviation regulations and standards.
• Safety & Compliance
• Implement and maintain Safety Management System (SMS) elements related to flight operations.
• Lead incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action processes.
• Conduct operational risk assessments before and during campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with aviation authority approvals and operational limitations.
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Act as primary operational interface between:
• Engineering (airframe, avionics, propulsion)
• Mission systems
• Program management
• Regulatory & airworthiness teams
• Provide operational feedback into vehicle design and system improvements.
• Support customer demonstrations and operational concept development.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher in aviation
• At least 7+ years of experience in Flight Operations, with minimum 2 years’ experience in management role.
  
  

Our Benefits & Perks

• Competitive compensation packages and comprehensive medical insurance to support you and your family.
• Wellbeing-focused initiatives and resources designed to enhance your personal and professional life.
• Access to exclusive discount programs, offering savings across various lifestyle and leisure experiences across the UAE.
  
  

What Makes a Great Fit

If you are performance-driven and possess an inquisitive mind with the agility to navigate ambiguity, you will thrive here. At the heart of the Space42 community is a bias for action and a passion for developing innovative, efficient space services through AI-driven smart solutions that drive technological advancements and create a better tomorrow.

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