About the Project Location: Portugal National (with training travel to Latvia)Engagement Type: Independent B2B Consultant Agreement (Part-Time)Timeline<ul style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-transform:none;color:rgb(0,0,0);"><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">August 2026: Mandatory international travel to Latvia for technical training and platform onboarding.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">September - November 2026: Execution of the live client demonstrations and showcase flights in Portugal (exact dates and locations to be confirmed).</li></ul>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. Your Key Focus Areas <ul style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-transform:none;color:rgb(0,0,0);"><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Training & Onboarding (August): Travel internationally to the company's engineering hub in Latvia for comprehensive, specialized technical training on the platform.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">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)</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Mission Planning: Conduct pre-flight checks, terrain risk analysis, and mission planning using advanced Ground Control Station (GCS) software.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Payload Management: Configure and manage specialized payloads, including LiDAR, thermal/IR cameras, and EO/IR gimbal systems.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Client Interface: Present aircraft capabilities and technical features to institutional and private stakeholders during live field showcases.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform basic field maintenance, battery management, and technical troubleshooting, coordinating directly with remote engineering support when needed.</li></ul> Your Expertise 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.<ul style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-transform:none;color:rgb(0,0,0);"><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Base Certificates: EASA A1/A3 Open Category Certificate and EASA A2 Certificate of Remote Pilot Competency.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Specific Category Framework: Proven experience or deep operational familiarity with Specific Category authorizations, BVLOS flight procedures, and risk assessment processes (SORA / PDRA / STS-02).</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">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.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Flight Profiles: Minimum 2 years of commercial drone piloting experience (industrial inspection, energy, or mapping heavily preferred).</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Platform Familiarity: Proven experience with fixed-wing VTOL platforms and autonomous mission planning tools (handling differs significantly from standard multirotors).</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Business Setup: Must hold a registered legal entity (B2B/Freelance structure) to invoice the company directly.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Languages:Dual fluency required:<ul style="font-family:initial;"><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Portuguese (Native/Fluent): For local client interaction, landowner coordination, and ANAC regulatory compliance.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">English (Conversational/Professional): Must-have for technical training in Latvia and communication with global engineering teams.</li></ul></li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Mobility: Valid driver’s license and full flexibility to travel on short notice.</li></ul> Compensation <ul style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;text-transform:none;color:rgb(0,0,0);"><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">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.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">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).</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Field Focus: This phase is heavily field-based (60-70%), requiring outdoor operations, setup of remote launch sites, and physical handling of equipment cases.</li><li style="font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Compensation: Hourly/daily rate plus fully covered travel expenses, or a project package that can be discussed individually based on experience.</li></ul>

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

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