Unmanned Aircraft Operations Intern

ABOUT ODYS

Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle https://youtu.be/fyI4XMsF2rM by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.

To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-20/fiji-airways-plans-connect-pacific-islands-laila-vtol, Honeywell https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/press-release/2024/07/honeywell-odys-aviation-to-collaborate-on-uncrewed-aircraft-operations-in-the-middle-east-and-pacific, Aramex https://evtolinsights.com/2024/01/odys-aviation-aramex-announce-collaboration-to-develop-cargo-operations-in-uae-and-oman/, US Navy) beginning in 2026 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract.

We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight https://youtu.be/AffdzQDUv2U faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly. Together, we’ve been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a self-motivated engineering student with strong fundamentals in aircraft operations to support the challenging and exciting mission planning and potential execution of the Class-3 unmanned dual-use aircraft Laila for European operations.

This internship is essential to the success of Operational Launch Programs, where Odys Aviation aircraft will demonstrate real customer missions. Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, defining and planning all operational needs for the mission, encompassing logistics and securing aircraft-specific operational approvals. Depending on mission timing, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Operational Launch Program execution.

The workload will be balanced between organizational tasks and the detailed work required to obtain operational approvals, specifically in compliance with JARUS SORA 2.5, as implemented by EASA. Standout candidates will demonstrate a strong ability to manage numerous interdependent aspects during dynamic planning, coupled with excellent problem-solving and communication skills in English. Sound aviation operations fundamentals, strong attention to detail, and the ability to structure complex interdependencies into clear workstreams are key to success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will use your organizational skills paired with the aircraft operational knowledge to prepare a European aircraft operational mission, ready for successful execution. The work includes, but is not limited to:

• Capture and record all planning requirements, essential to secure a safe conduct of the mission.

• Capture and report all approval requirements to allow Odys to conduct the intended flight missions at the European target location.

• Identify the customer stakeholders and develop the communication streams, format and logic to be maintained throughout planning and execution

• Definition of the logistic requirements, including, and not limited to, transport of aircraft and equipment, sheltering of aircraft at the operating site, clearances for transport, lodging possibilities for crew.

• Develop a mission planning budget framework and obtain the required information from all affected stakeholders, within and outside of the company.

• Manage the mission preparation and execution schedule.

• Establish progress reporting dashboards and provide regular status updates to management.

When the internship timing allows for participation during the conduct of the mission:

• Secure availability of all required prerequisites on site prior to arrival of the operations crew

• Direct support of the operations crew in resolving issues that inevitably will come up during execution

• Support the on-site coordination and communication with customers, with respect to the demonstration of conduct of their missions

• Secure documentation of program expenses versus budgeting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Being enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor’s or advanced degree program in Aerospace Engineering or a related field

• Good understanding of the EASA regulatory framework with respect to operation of unmanned aircraft

• Strong interest in aircraft operations

• Excellent coordination and organization skills

• Proficient in MS Office and/or Google equivalent applications

• Ability to work effectively in a highly dynamic environment, juggling multiple interdependent tasks at the same time

• Fluent english skills in speaking and writing

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work effectively with others and be a participative team member

• Previous complex project management experience welcome.