The short version

You’ll operate real airships in demanding environments while making sure the systems behind them actually work. This role combines hands-on flight operations with practical IT and system troubleshooting — giving you a unique mix of pilot responsibility and technical ownership.

If you enjoy working in the field, flying, and figuring things out when systems don’t behave as expected, this is a rare opportunity to build both aviation and IT expertise.

About Kelluu

We are turning the real world into a digital one, with accuracy down to the smallest detail. Imagine a near future where everything you see can be explored through data delivered by Kelluu, and where AI works continuously across that data to find what you need to know. Everything turned into answers.

We’re a Finnish deep-tech company, headquartered in Joensuu with offices in Helsinki and Tampere. The team is growing fast, the goals are ambitious, and we’re hiring people who want to build something that matters.

Our technology is flight-proven and operational. We’re a NATO DIANA Phase 2 alumni with several thousands of hours of autonomous BVLOS flight experience, active programmes across multiple NATO nations, and a rapidly growing team. We operate in both defence and civilian markets: the same technology that supports border security also monitors critical infrastructure and the environment.

P.S. We just raised 15M€ Series A.

Why this role exists

We are expanding our flight operations internationally and increasing deployment frequency. At the same time, our systems are becoming more complex.

This creates a need for pilots who not only operate aircraft, but also understand the systems behind them — and can troubleshoot, adapt, and improve them in real-world conditions.

What you’ll own

You’ll operate airship systems in the field and ensure that both flight operations and the supporting technical systems perform reliably.

The impact you’ll have:

• Operate unmanned airships and support safe, efficient flight operations in real-world environments

• Prepare and execute deployments, including ground setup, flight readiness, and mission support

• Ensure aircraft, payloads, and supporting systems are in working condition before and during flights

• Troubleshoot and maintain onboard systems, ground infrastructure, and software environments

• Manage and ensure reliability of communication systems (IP networks, VPNs, satellite links) in the field

• Contribute to improving operational and system performance by bringing field insights back to the team

Your team

You’ll be part of a highly practical, mobile operations team working at the intersection of aviation and engineering. The team operates in close collaboration between pilots, system engineers, and developers.

Deployments are international, with regular travel across Europe and North America.

What success looks like

By 3 months, you will have:

• Learned Kelluu’s flight operations model and systems

• Participated in deployments and supported real flight operations

By 6 months:

• Operated flights independently as part of the team

• Taken ownership of system setup and troubleshooting during missions

By 12 months:

• Acted as a reliable pilot in demanding deployment environments

• Owned both flight execution and the reliability of supporting systems

• Contributed to improving how operations and systems are run in practice

What we’re looking for

You’ll thrive here if you have:

• Hands-on experience in aviation, UAVs, or drone operations

• Practical understanding of how flight operations work in real environments

• Experience working with Linux systems (e.g. Ubuntu)

• Basic understanding of networking (IP-based communication, VPNs, connectivity troubleshooting)

• Curiosity and ability to troubleshoot both hardware and software issues independently

• Willingness to travel extensively (60–80%) and work in field conditions

• Strong self-driven mindset and willingness to continuously learn new systems

Even better if you also bring:

• Experience with PX4 Autopilot or similar flight control systems

• Familiarity with Docker or container-based system setups

• Experience with mobile or satellite communication systems and GNSS

• Background in defence or military drone operations

• Exposure to payload technologies (cameras, thermal imaging, LiDAR, etc.)

What you get

The opportunity:

• Operate real-world autonomous airship systems in international environments

• Combine pilot work with hands-on system and IT problem-solving

• Build a rare and highly valuable skillset across aviation and technology

• Work on technology that is already deployed and making an impact

The practicalities:

• Salary range €3,000-3,800/month depending in experience

• Healthcare, Lunch benefit, Culture, sports, and wellbeing benefit (Epassi), Phone

• The tools you need to do your best work

• Flexible work culture

The kind of place this is

Kelluu is a dual-use deep-tech company at the intersection of autonomy, AI, and aerial intelligence. We build technology that serves both national security and society, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We’re scaling fast, which means you’ll have real influence on how things are built. The flipside: things move quickly, priorities shift, and everyone wears a few hats. If you want a finished playbook and a clear lane, this probably isn’t the right fit. If you want to write the playbook yourself, it might be exactly right.

We use AI tools extensively, not as a gimmick, but because it lets a growing team move faster than anyone expects. We expect everyone to be curious about how to work smarter.

Details

• Location: Helsinki

• Employment: Full-time, permanent

• Start date: As soon as possible

• Reports to: Operations Lead

• Travelling: 60-80%, international travel expected

Due to the nature of our business in the defence and dual-use sectors, the selected candidate must successfully pass a standard security clearance. Furthermore, certain roles are subject to international export control regulations (e.g., EU Dual-Use or ITAR), which may impose specific requirements regarding the candidate’s citizenship and background.

Interested?

Apply by 24.07.2027 through our career page. Include your CV and application. We’re less interested in a list of past job titles and more interested in your impact.

What to expect:

1. Initial call with our Recruitment Partner

2. Interview with our Head of Operations

3. Final interview / Meeting with your team

4. Reference check and offer

Questions? Reach out to Tina Wirzenius, Recruitment Partner tel. +358 50 465 7404. If we miss your call, please send us a text message.

Direct applications only.