Aerial Systems Engineer

The NA Aerial Systems Engineer is responsible for ensuring optimal performance and reliability of Nearmap's aerial capture systems across North America. This role serves as the critical technical bridge between flight operations and data collection, maintaining system functionality through installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of aerial imaging equipment. The position ensures uninterrupted production capacity by providing first-level technical support to pilots and operators, managing sensor inventory and logistics, and driving operational excellence through documentation and process refinement.

As the primary technical resource for aerial systems in the North American region, this role supports Nearmap's mission to deliver high-quality aerial imagery by maximizing system uptime, standardizing operational procedures, and facilitating smooth coordination between regional flight operations, global engineering teams, and external aerial service providers.

Key Responsibilities

Install/Deinstall Aerial Systems

• Installs/deinstall aerial systems in aircraft.
• Configures aerial systems hardware and software.
• Performs system-level testing.
• Upgrades aerial systems hardware and software as required.
• Ensure documentation and records are up to date.
• Coordinates site visits including travel logistics and all necessary communications.

Service Aerial Systems

• Perform regular preventive maintenance to minimize production down time and/or image quality issues.
• Performs system troubleshooting and monitors equipment for sub-optimal performance and faults.
• Replace parts as required and performs post-replacement setup and testing.
• Ensures any servicing or testing that occurs is clearly and concisely documented.

Manag Inventory

• Tracks US inventory to ensure appropriate levels of operational spare parts and equipment are available.
• Tags quarantine components for testing and/or return to AU.
• Ensures asset movements are documented and the the location of aerial systems, including parts and equipment are accounted for.
• Securely ships and receives equipment through domestic and international carriers. Escalates exceptions and delays as required.

Sensor Support

• Provides 1st level support for aerial system issues in production and documents in jira.
• Utilizes the expertise of the global team to efficiently analyze system errors/problems to prevent interruptions to day-to-day operations.
• Ensure clear case management to resolution of issues, including managing communications amongst all parties on production status of sensor and impact of any issues.
• Mechanical and electrical testing of sensor equipment.
• This role requires communication with pilots outside of standard office hours and on weekends.

Operational Improvement

• Provides operational improvement suggestions to improve and streamline the operational software.
• Establish best practices, document, and update operational/troubleshooting workflows and procedures to ensure they are globally consistent, scalable and efficient.
• Assists in smooth transition of hardware from R&D into production environment.
• Perform UAT and provide feedback to Technology when new releases of software are released.

Pilot Onboarding and Continual Training

• Onboard new pilots with pilot training documentation.
• Ensure pilot training documentation is kept up to date.
• Identify pilot non-conformance and work the pilot and subcontractor to make necessary corrections.
• Supports continual training for aerial operators.

Assist with additional operational needs

• Contribute to the rapid collection and delivery of ImpactResponse data.
• Able to assist with day-to-day general operational tasks if load demands.

Experience

• Two years industry experience.
• Experience working in an operational engineering role in a production environment.
• Mechanical/electronic expertise setting up and testing systems both in the field and in house.
• Familiar with diagnosing network connectivity issues involving different types of physical cable issues, wired and wireless networks.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience communicating with a diverse group of stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• Experience in aviation a plus.

Skills

• Ability to coordinate and manage projects in a fast moving environment.
• Basic assembly skills including the use of a soldering iron.
• Familiarity with board-level electronics testing and calibration including use of multimeters, power supplies and oscilloscopes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; you have the ability to relay complex information in layman’s terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Personal Attributes

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly organized.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to self-prioritize task.
• Proactive and able to deal with issues in a pragmatic and timely fashion.
• Meticulous in completing jobs 100% and on schedule.
• Interested in learning about new technologies.
• Must be prepared to work flexible hours (including weekends and travel on short notice as required).
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, move about in confined spaces and perform work outdoors.
• Ability to travel 60%.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be legally authorized to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to obtain a company-sponsored credit card.
• Legal authorization to work in the US is required.

Tertiary Qualifications

BA/BS degree required – in Business Administration, Operations, Communication, Aviation, Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or Meteorology.

Why you'll love working at Nearmap:

We move fast and work smart; often wearing multiple hats. We adapted to remote working with ease and are continually looking at ways to improve. We’re proud of our inclusive, supportive culture, and maintain a safe environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can be themselves.

In addition to your annual leave, Nearmap offers:

• 4 extra "YOU" days off each year—take a break, no questions asked!
• Company-sponsored volunteering days to give back.
• Generous parental leave policies for growing families.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning for continuous growth.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance plans.
• Monthly wellbeing and technology allowance.
• Annual flu vaccinations and skin checks.
• A Nearmap subscription (naturally!).

At Nearmap, you can chart your own career path and see where our journey together might take you. With complex and fascinating work to challenge and inspire you, you might be surprised by the opportunities you discover. We've got so much more to share—come and explore with us!

Nearmap does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies and search firms. Please do not email or send unsolicited resumes to any Nearmap employee, location or address. Nearmap is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.