Field Manager - Australia

Solar power is the largest source of new energy in the world. Raptor Maps is a fast-growing, venture-backed, MIT-born climate tech startup that is building software to enable the solar energy industry to scale. We have the leading platform for remotely managed solar operations, and our mission is to make solar asset management and O&M dramatically simpler through better data, automation, and the integration of robotics. We serve tens of thousands of solar sites around the world with a dedicated and passionate team committed to having impact through work and advancing the renewable energy economy. Our mission is groundbreaking, and we need great people to make it happen. Join us in building the digital backbone of a stronger, more scalable solar industry! ☀️ We are looking for a highly motivated, technically skilled, and operationally minded leader to stand up our field and drone operations in Australia. You will be the "boots on the ground" leader responsible for the installation, commissioning, and operation of cutting-edge Drone-in-a-Box hardware at solar farms across the continent. Beyond technical execution, you will serve as the primary architect of our local operational network—sourcing pilots, hiring contractors, and building scalable processes to support growth in the region. This role requires a unique blend of hands-on technical grit, aviation discipline, and entrepreneurial leadership. Responsibilities

Installation & Operations: Act as the primary technical lead for sourcing, installing, configuring, and commissioning Drone-in-a-Box systems at customer sites, building upon existing US operations. Personally conduct drone flights and data collection missions during the early scaling phase.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform on-site debugging and mechanical repairs, serving as the Tier 1 escalation point for the region.

Network Building: Identify, vet, and onboard a network of part-time installers and drone pilots across Australia. Source, hire, and train the team as the region grows and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.

Strategy & Localization: Adapt US-based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Australian market, ensuring compliance with CASA regulations. Serve as the vital link between Australian customers and US Headquarters, providing real-time feedback to Engineering and Product teams.

Logistics: Oversee the end-to-end logistics of hardware shipments, inventory management, and manage operations budget.

Qualifications

Current CASA RePL (Remote Pilot License) is mandatory and ability to obtain a US FAA Part 107 certificate upon employment.

Australian Citizenship / Right to Work: Must be authorized to work in Australia.

Technical Aptitude: 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical systems. Comfortable using power tools, reading wiring diagrams, working with computers, sourcing and evaluating parts, and troubleshooting both hardware and software in the field.

Drone Experience: Deep familiarity with commercial drone platforms and mission planning software. 

Travel Readiness: Willingness to travel extensively to remote solar sites (50-60% of the time) and ability to travel to the US 2-3 times per year.

Driver’s License: Valid Australian Driver’s Licence with a clean driving record.

Operational Rigor: Ability to manage complex schedules involving hardware, people, and weather, with a strong focus on safety protocols and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in the solar/renewables and/or electric utility industries.

Experience with Drone-in-a-Box systems and thermal payloads.

Experience managing subcontractors or field crews.

Familiarity with Thermography (Level 1 Thermographer certification is a plus).

Experience with project management tools (Asana, Airtable, etc.) and GIS applications (QGIS, ArcGIS).