Field Operations Manager - Full time position

About HyLight

Power lines, gas pipelines and railways are still inspected the way they were 50 years ago: by helicopter. Expensive, noisy, and up to a tonne of CO₂ per flight hour.

We built the alternative. The HyLighter is a 12-metre autonomous airship running on hydrogen. It flies for up to 10 hours, almost silently, and spots a 1 mm defect from 25 metres up.

But the airship is only half the story. Every flight brings back massive amounts of LiDAR, imagery and methane data, and that’s where the value is. Our AI turns it into what operators act on: 50+ types of defects detected automatically, and leaks pinpointed across their network.

It’s not a prototype. HyLighters already fly missions for France’s largest energy and rail operators and have flown over the Palace of Versailles. Backed by Y Combinator, we just raised €13M to go from 4 airships to 15.

Working at HyLight

We design, build and fly every HyLighter, and turn its data into insight, all under one roof on a former airbase. Which means:

• You own it all the way. At a big aerospace company, you’d own a small piece of one subsystem. Here, you design it, test it, stand on the airfield when it flies, and see the client act on the data it brings back.

• Weeks, not years. Ideas go from whiteboard to flight test in weeks.

• Responsibility from day one. The founders’ average age is 27. Nobody here waits for permission.

We don’t care about titles or ticking every box. We care about what you build and the perspective you bring, so if your profile is different, apply anyway.

Job Summary:

As a Field Operations Manager at HyLight, you will be at the heart of our field operations.

Your mission will focus on one major objective: the execution of flight operations across France. You will be responsible for deploying HyLighters during inspection missions, regularly involving overnight multi-day deployments in the field.

You will oversee the preparation, deployment, and successful execution of operations on-site, ensuring all missions are conducted safely and in compliance with applicable operational requirements. You will also serve as the primary point of contact in the field and help guarantee both the quality of the data collected and the reliability of the systems being operated.

You will work closely with the technical teams to ensure system reliability, data quality, and operational excellence, while contributing to operational documentation and the continuous improvement of our Ops procedures.

If you are passionate about drones, enjoy working in the field, and want to contribute to innovative and meaningful missions supporting the climate transition, this role is for you.

The Mission

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will be involved throughout the entire operational cycle in the field:

1. Field Operations & Mission Execution

• Deploy HyLighters during inspection missions across France.

• Prepare, set up, and execute operations on-site.

• Ensure the safety, compliance, and efficiency of operations in real time.

• Manage operational contingencies and communicate effectively with technical teams.

• Act as the primary point of contact on-site for all mission-related stakeholders.

• Contribute to operational reporting and mission traceability.

1. Operational Preparation & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in the logistical and operational preparation of missions.

• Verify the availability, condition, and compliance of equipment before each deployment.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational procedures.

• Participate in the structuring of Ops processes (documentation, standardization, lessons learned).

• Participate in software and system testing and validation activities in the field and at the air base.

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in UAV operations.

• Good aviation background and understanding of basic airspace regulations.

• Field operations and team management experience.

• Ability to conduct missions autonomously.

• Comfortable travelling frequently across France and undertaking overnight multi-day deployments.

• A manned aviation license (PPL, LAPL, ULM, or equivalent) or CATS is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and rigor in mission preparation and execution.

• High level of autonomy and ownership in the field.

• Ability to manage unexpected situations and make decisions in an operational environment.

• Ability to represent the company professionally and clearly.

• Team player with a collaborative mindset.

• Adaptable and comfortable with frequent travel.

Languages

Professional proficiency in French and English (written and spoken).

What We Offer

• Full-time or freelance contract depending on profile.

• Salary between €30,000 and €40,000 depending on experience for full-time employees.

• Competitive day rate based on experience for freelance contractors.

• Additional daily field allowance for days spent on deployments..

• HyLight equity through BSPCE stock options (employees).

• 100% company-covered lunches (equivalent to approximately €1,000/year).

• 100% reimbursement of public transportation subscriptions (Navigo) or €800/year for sustainable transportation.

• Company bicycle available for commuting.

• Two team offsites per year.

• An excellent work environment: international team, regular team events, and offices located on a former air base.

Why Join Us

• Founder Mentality

We value full ownership and accountability. We are looking for people who think like founders: able to make decisions quickly, solve problems independently, and execute efficiently.

• Early-Stage Opportunity

You will directly contribute to shaping and growing a breakthrough company, with the resources needed to support its ambitions.

• Impact & Speed

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your contributions have an immediate and tangible impact on the company's development.

Recruitment Process

• Introductory phone call (20 min)

• Video interview with our Head of Ops, Charbel (40 min)

• On-site day including a one-hour technical assessment followed by interviews with the founders.

• Reference checks.

Location

• Office: Base 217, Brétigny-sur-Orge (accessible via RER C)

• You will work alongside experts in embedded systems, aviation, and hydrogen propulsion where your impact matters from day one.

• Frequent travel across France is required. Missions regularly involve overnight multi-day deployments in the fieldih