Director, DRONIC® Network Operations
Location: Canada, Remote
About us
At Niricson, we believe the world’s most critical infrastructure deserves better intelligence.
From hydroelectric dams and bridges to tunnels and industrial assets, aging infrastructure is one of the defining global challenges of our time. Traditional inspection methods are slow, subjective, dangerous, and increasingly unsustainable.
We’re changing that.
Niricson combines robotics, AI, advanced sensing technologies, and data analytics to help infrastructure owners make smarter, safer, and more proactive decisions about the assets their communities depend on every day.
Our technologies operate where humans often cannot, collecting high-quality data from complex structures using industrial drones and proprietary sensing systems, then transforming that data into actionable engineering insights.
We’re a team of engineers, innovators, builders, and problem-solvers passionate about creating technology that has real-world impact at global scale.
As we continue to grow, we are expanding the way our technologies are deployed around the world. We are building a global network of certified operators, partners, and field specialists capable of delivering consistent, high-quality infrastructure inspections across multiple regions and asset types.
To support this vision, we are looking for a Director, DRONIC® Network Operations, who is excited by the challenge of building and scaling a world-class field operations network. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of infrastructure inspections by developing the systems, standards, partnerships, and operational excellence that will enable Niricson's technologies to be deployed reliably and consistently around the globe.
The Opportunity
The Director, DRONIC® Network Operations, is responsible for designing, scaling, and leading Niricson's global infrastructure condition intelligence network.
This role owns the operational framework supporting DRONIC-enabled inspections across North America and international markets, including certified operators, partner organizations, quality management systems, field deployment standards, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
The candidate will build a scalable network capable of delivering repeatable, high-quality visual, thermal, and acoustic data collection while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and Niricson's technical standards.
Working closely with Engineering, Product, Sales, and Customer Success, this leader will transform field operations from a technician-based model into a globally scalable inspection network.
Key Responsibilities
Network Operations Leadership
- Design and scale the DRONIC®-certified operator network.
- Develop regional coverage strategies across Canada, the United States, Australia, and future markets.
- Establish capacity-planning and operational-readiness standards.
- Create scalable deployment models for field operations.
Quality & Certification
- Develop operator certification programs.
- Define qualification standards for visual, thermal, and acoustic inspections.
- Own field data acceptance criteria and rejection standards.
- Establish audit and quality assurance programs.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Transport Canada, FAA, and applicable international regulations.
- Maintain operational procedures and safety management systems.
- Oversee flight operations standards and risk management processes.
Partner Network Development
- Recruit and manage strategic drone and inspection partners.
- Develop onboarding and certification pathways.
- Establish service-level expectations and performance standards.
Operational Excellence
- Develop SOPs for all field data capture activities.
- Implement performance metrics and operational KPIs.
- Improve scalability, efficiency, and utilization of field resources.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with internal sensor other teams to validate field deployment procedures.
- Support Product and R&D teams during technology rollouts.
- Collaborate with Sales and Customer Success to support client delivery.
What You Bring:
- 7+ years leading drone, geomatics, field operations, reality capture, inspection, or infrastructure asset management programs.
- Experience managing distributed field teams or contractor networks.
- Deep knowledge of RPAS/UAV operations.
- Experience developing SOPs, certification programs, and quality systems.
- Strong understanding of photogrammetry, geospatial data collection, or infrastructure inspections.
- Experience working with regulated operations and safety programs.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and leadership skills.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Transport Canada Advanced RPAS certification.
- Experience with thermal inspections.
- Experience with NDT or structural health monitoring.
- Experience building national or international service networks.
- Background in engineering, geomatics, surveying, aviation, or infrastructure inspections.
Competencies for Success in the Role:
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to define and execute a long-term vision for global field operations, balancing immediate business needs with scalable growth objectives. Demonstrates sound judgment, decisiveness, and accountability while leading through change.
- Operational Excellence: Strong capability to design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, processes, and standards that enable consistent, high-quality execution across distributed teams and partner networks.
- Quality & Risk Management: Deep commitment to quality, safety, and compliance. Able to establish rigorous operational controls, certification standards, and quality assurance frameworks while effectively managing risk in complex field environments.
- Systems Thinking: Ability to understand the interconnectedness of people, processes, technology, partners, and customers, and to develop solutions that optimize performance across the entire operational ecosystem.
- Influence & Stakeholder Management: Skilled at building trust and alignment across internal teams, executive leadership, clients, and external partners. Able to navigate competing priorities and drive collaboration toward common objectives.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Demonstrates strong analytical thinking and sound decision-making in dynamic environments. Able to assess operational challenges, identify root causes, and implement practical, scalable solutions.
- Communication & Executive Presence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate strategy, operational priorities, risks, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Adaptability & Change Leadership: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and effectively leads teams through organizational growth, process transformation, and changing business requirements.
- People Development: Passionate about developing high-performing teams and partner networks through coaching, mentorship, performance management, and the establishment of a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Customer Focus: Maintains a strong understanding of client needs and business outcomes, ensuring operational decisions support exceptional service delivery, reliability, and long-term customer success.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $100,000 - $110,000 Annually (with overtime opportunity during occasional field work) – we’re open to salary negotiations depending on experience
Plus
Meaningful Equity Participation: This role includes a significant stock option grant because we believe the people building the future of Niricson should have the opportunity to share in its success. This provides you with the opportunity to participate directly in the long-term value creation and success of Niricson. We are looking for builders and owners who want to help shape the future of the company, not just employees along for the ride.
Additional Benefits: Extended health benefits including dental and vision coverage, performance bonus, flexible working hours, paid vacation, and the opportunity to help shape groundbreaking technologies with global impact.
Diversity and Inclusion
Niricson is a diverse and inclusive equal-opportunity employer. We encourage diversity and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, products, and our community. We are committed to fostering belonging through a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against any race, gender, religious affiliation, ethnicity, or any other demographic - instead, we celebrate diversity.
