Head of Operations

Job description: As Head of Operations at HyLight, you will be responsible for organizing and managing all operations related to the HyLighter. Your role will ensure the smooth execution of missions across France and Europe, overseeing regulatory compliance, team coordination, and system functionality. You will work closely with the regulatory team to obtain flight approvals and be present on the field to ensure every operation is well-handled.

You will also lead the operations team, ensure the HyLighter functions optimally, and collaborate with the engineering team to provide technical feedback and requirements for improvements. Additionally, you will leverage AI to optimize recurring tasks, improving efficiency and automation in operations. Client interaction will be key: you should be comfortable discussing data collection, reassuring stakeholders, and presenting solutions convincingly.

Personal note from Martin (CEO): This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of HyLight’s growth. We need someone who thrives in both technical and operational environments, enjoys being on the field, and is excited about leveraging AI to optimize operations. If you have a mix of problem-solving, organizational skills, and the ability to reassure and convince clients, this is an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact at HyLight.

Required skills and experience:

• Proven experience in an operational leadership role, ideally in aerospace, robotics, or drone-related industries.
• Strong organizational skills to oversee logistics and field operations.
• Ability to work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain flight approvals.
• Experience in managing technical teams and ensuring system reliability.
• Knowledge in AI development & implementation to optimize recurring tasks.
• Ability to analyze and communicate operational data, ensuring efficiency.
• Comfortable engaging with clients, explaining data collection processes, and building trust.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in French and English.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with drone operations, aerospace regulations, or aviation standards.
• Drone pilot licence or private pilot licence
• Ability to work in a startup environment and adapt to fast-changing priorities.
• Hands-on approach and ability to thrive in on-field operational settings.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, proactive in improving processes.

Don’t have all these skills? Apply anyway! We value adaptability and a drive to learn. HyLight is growing fast, and we are looking for people who can grow with us.

Conditions : Start of contract as soon as possible, remuneration according to profile (some flexibility, if in doubt, apply ;) ).

This position has increasing responsibilities and will involve working with the whole Technical and Regulatory team.

Advantages:

• Become associate and have shares of HyLight

• Reimbursement of 100% of the Navigo pass (if needed to come to the office) or 800€/year in case of sustainable travel to the workplace

• Bike loan for home-to-work commutes,

• Lunch 100% covered.

• Offsite trips every 6 months with the whole team.

• An excellent working atmosphere: an international environment, team events, superb offices on the Brétigny sur Orge air base.

Workplace: Brétigny-sur-Orge, RER C.

**Does decarbonizing aerial inspection motivates you? **Send us your application!

HyLight, who are we?

HyLight's ambition is to make our societies resilient to the effects of climate change by working on the crucial observation and inspection stage for a better understanding of our world.

HyLight is developing a solution for easily inspecting large areas. Our HyLighters are capable of collecting a wide range of data over hundreds of kilometers without emitting greenhouse gases.

Our activities include :

• Detecting methane leaks on gas infrastructures (4% of global GHG emissions).
• Inspecting power lines to prevent blackouts and forest fires.

We aim to inspect over 5 million kilometers of European energy infrastructure per year by 2030.

In 2 and a half years, we have :

• Developed 8 iterations of our dirigible drones.
• Flown over 150 hours.
• Secured our first inspection contracts with Europe's largest energy infrastructure operators.
• Joined the world's best accelerator program, Y Combinator.
• Raised over 4 million euros.

Interview procedure

• Introductory telephone call (20 min)
• Video meeting with our CTO Josef (40 min)
• Case study: technical test
• On-site meeting with the team (40 min)