Technical Operations Manager

Now Hiring:
Technical Operations Manager (Full-Time)

Location: Kalispell, MT (or immediate surrounding area) | Northwest Montana

Work Environment: Hybrid (local presence required)

Salary: $75,000–$95,000 DOE + performance/incentive bonus

Big Sky Aerial Solutions helps utilities and AEC teams better understand and manage their infrastructure through high-precision LiDAR, sUAS, and geospatial services. We turn complex spatial data into clear, usable deliverables that support smarter planning, safer inspections, and more efficient project execution.

From utility inspections and corridor monitoring to mapping projects and 3D modeling, our work supports infrastructure across the Western U.S. Based in Kalispell, Montana, our team is committed to practical innovation, reliable field operations, and data clients can trust.

Big Sky Aerial Solutions is seeking a Technical Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end data workflows and lead day-to-day sUAS flight operations. This role ensures all utility and AEC projects move efficiently from mission planning through final deliverables while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and compliance.

This is a hands‑on leadership role focused on technical execution and operational consistency. The Technical Operations Manager will actively fly missions primarily in support of LiDAR and photogrammetry projects, while providing clear oversight and support to other pilots. Utility-related flight work is performed on an as-needed basis to support specific or specialized project requirements.

The role is intentionally structured to balance field execution with operational leadership, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a consistent standard—without unnecessary complexity or role overload.

This position has day-to-day authority over, and direct participation in, technical workflows and field operations, with escalation for high-risk, strategic, or client-sensitive decisions.

• Capture and process aerial and terrestrial LiDAR, photogrammetry, and aerial imagery
• Compile point clouds, DEM/DSM surfaces, contours, orthomosaics, and related datasets
• Produce, analyze, and clearly present GIS deliverables for client use
• Manage in-field and post-collection QA/QC to ensure deliverables meet client standards
• Maintain standardized workflows, templates, and technical documentation
• Manage data storage, organization, and delivery

• Fly sUAS missions primarily supporting LiDAR and photogrammetry projects
• Support utility-related flight operations on an as-needed or specialized basis
• Coordinate mission planning, airspace checks, and flight readiness
• Supervise daily pilot operations and ensure adherence to SOPs
• Provide in-field leadership, guidance, and quality oversight to pilots
• Maintain compliance documentation, flight logs, and maintenance records
• Lead safety briefings and post-mission reviews
• Act as the primary operational bridge between field crews and the CEO

• Utility and AEC projects delivered on time with consistency and minimal rework
• LiDAR and photogrammetry missions executed efficiently with high data quality
• Field operations running smoothly without daily CEO involvement
• Standardized workflows adopted by pilots and subcontractors
• Reduced data turnaround times and fewer QA/QC issues
• Clear, proactive communication between field crews, data production, and leadership

• 3+ years of experience with LiDAR, GIS, and photogrammetry workflows
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and Google Workspace
• Strong understanding of accuracy standards and QA/QC processes
• Familiarity with sUAS mission planning and flight operations
• Experience operating enterprise-level drone platforms (DJI, Skydio); 200+ flight hours preferred
• Experience operating aerial and terrestrial LiDAR systems
• Basic understanding of general photography concepts (composition, depth of field, exposure, ISO, etc.)
• Experience with LiDAR processing tools (e.g., Terra Scan, LAStools, Global Mapper) preferred
• Civil 3D and/or Navisworks experience preferred
• Experience in the AEC…