Supervisor Drone Operations

Who are we hiring?

As a Supervisor Drone Operations, you'll be hands-on with all drone operation systems, providing cross-departmental support for telemetry tracking, drone operations, flight, and control systems. You'll bring a strong level knowledge of software, mechanical, electrical, and RC flight knowledge, along with knowledge of control systems, show operations, and crew management, to troubleshoot and operate our technology needed to deliver successful shows.

The supervisor will take a supervising role in operating, supporting, maintaining, and staffing the venue’s telemetry and indoor RC flight systems (including custom bespoke drone aircraft). Enthusiasm for learning new skills, innovation, inventing solutions, pushing technological limits, collaborating with industry partners, and thinking outside the box are essential attributes.

What will you do?

• Actively occupy a flight position during performances.
• Ensure reliable and repeatable operation of manual and autonomous flight systems and supporting software deployed in Sphere as needed to support the active production.
• Assist in scheduling and supervision of other part-time drone technician staff.

Supervision, Training & Safety

• Supervise Drone Pilots and IATSE union stagehand labor during live shows, venue change-overs, and dedicated maintenance windows.
• Act as a designated Evaluator & Trainer for the Drone Team including new or returning hire onboarding, flight review, and targeted coaching for team members.
• Enforce strict compliance with all governing safety protocols, including Checklist, Maintenance, and other departmental SOPs.

Technical Support & Maintenance

• Supervise and serve as first line of support for venue show telemetry and control systems, inclusive of programming new creative executions.
• Provide first-tier support for both hardware and software related issues and coordinate with management and appropriate vendors to find solutions.
• Coordinate installation and strike of equipment as needed to support daily tasks.

System Development & Vendor Collaboration

• Work closely with the management and vendors (AirStage/OptiTrack/Stage Precision) to develop and maintain new creative application of drone technology for shows at Sphere, including tracking camera calibration and flight path modeling.
• Work closely with the Sphere operations team and drone program vendors to ensure reliable operation of all equipment during testing and when deployed in the venue.
• Help deliver and maintain reliable technical solutions to realize the strategic and creative goals of stakeholders from Venue Operations and Sphere Studios.
• Track bugs and create technical documents on operation and maintenance as they relate to systems.

What do you need to succeed?

• Degree in information systems, computer science or theater arts, or aviation/robotics; advanced degree is a plus.
• 5+ years’ experience in RC flight or telemetry control systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience piloting and maintaining RC multi-rotor aircraft.
• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders, other team members, and external companies.
• Experience tracking bugs and making technical documents and manuals.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to bring a creative approach for new ideas.
• Self-motivated in combination with the ability to collaborate with a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain flexible and calm in high-pressure situations.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work heavily varied shifts (ranging from 8 to 14+ hours) to cover load-ins, dark-day maintenance, and overnight camera repositioning.
• Working nights, weekends and some holidays will be required.
• Required to have completed the OSHA 30-Hour training course.

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