JOEL MONTOYA
Austin,TX
Summary
Flight Operations Leader specializing in optimizing flight operations and managing complex schedules. Demonstrated success in enhancing communication between flight and customer operations, resulting in significant operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Proficient in developing structured workflows and leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Site Lead for Flight Operations
LIFT Aircraft
Austin, TX
10.2024 - Current
- Test Pilot Operations: Rated as a Test Pilot for advanced eVTOL/unmanned aircraft; successfully executed flight profiles as a Ground Control Station (GCS) Operator and Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC).
- Flight & Operations Scheduling: Managed and maintained complex daily flight schedules and related operational activities, aligning pilot availability with customer demands to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Cross-Functional Liaison: Served as primary liaison between Flight Operations and Customer Operations, streamlining communication channels for cross-departmental coordination and issue resolution.
- Process Development: Created and implemented operational systems and workflows using Google Suite to enhance team efficiency and documentation accuracy.
- Strategic Support: Collaborated with Chief of Staff on talent acquisition and hiring initiatives, partnering with engineering team to assist in developing motion simulators.
Founder | Photographer & Videographer
Picasa Media
Dallas, TX
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Oversaw core strategies, product roadmap, operations, and marketing for full-service real estate media company, delivering HDR photos, 4K videos, 3D tours, and drone videography.
- Initiated a strategic partnership with a software provider to enhance data management, resulting in a 20% reduction in data processing time and a 10% increase in revenue.
- Completed over 50 comprehensive real estate media shoots, showcasing diverse properties and enhancing client portfolios.
SUAS Flight Operator - Shift Lead
DroneUp
Dallas, TX
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Led team of 4 sUAS Flight Operators in planning and executing 50+ last-mile drone flights, achieving timely delivery of household items for Walmart in under 30 minutes.
- Directed flight operations for a major Texas hub, adhering strictly to FAA regulations and contributing to a 15% increase in operational efficiency.
- Implemented a customized weekly fleet schedule that reduced aircraft downtime by 10% and increased overall mission readiness.
- Secured 10 new community delivery points, enhancing operational reach and increasing weekly deliveries by 50%.
SUAS Flight Operator
DroneUp
Dallas, TX
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Executed roles as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), Mission Coordinator (MC), and Visual Observer (VO) for enterprise missions, ensuring safe and efficient facility/cell tower inspections and solar farm surveys.
- Designed optimized flight planning routes for last-mile deliveries, enhancing mission success through thorough review of weather forecasts, equipment readiness, and flight scopes.
- Operated drone systems for package delivery and inspection tasks.
- Conducted pre-flight checks to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Collaborated with team members to coordinate flight schedules efficiently.
Drone Pilot - Independent Contractor
DroneBase (Zeitview)
Remote
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Operated DJI drones along 15+ designated paths to collect high-quality remote sensing data, supporting analysis for various industries.
- Utilized LiDAR and GNSS survey equipment to gather critical geospatial data across 1,000+ acres, enhancing project accuracy and decision-making.
- Operated drones for aerial photography and mapping projects across diverse locations.
- Coordinated with clients to determine project needs and deliverables for drone services.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections to ensure drone safety and functionality before missions.
Financial Services Representative
TD Ameritrade (Charles Schwab)
Remote
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Processed routine financial transactions, utilizing advanced knowledge of internal systems to enhance client satisfaction.
- Assisted clients with investment account inquiries and transaction processes.
- Educated clients on financial products and services available at TD Ameritrade.
- Managed client portfolios to align with their financial goals and strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05-2021
Skills
- Flight Operations Management
- Flight Planning
- Flight Data Analysis
- Drone Maintenance
- Operational efficiency
- Scheduling Optimization
- Process development
- Project Management
- Software & Systems
- Google Suite
- DJI Go
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Talent acquisition
- Talent Management
- Client Engagement
Certification
- FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot (14 CFR Part 107, airspace, LAANC)
- FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
Passions
- Aerospace & eVTOL Innovation: Passionate about the evolving technology in unmanned aerial systems, advanced air mobility (AAM), and their real-world applications.
- Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholders, and establish frameworks for improved operational efficiency.
Timeline
Site Lead for Flight Operations
LIFT Aircraft
10.2024 - Current
Founder | Photographer & Videographer
Picasa Media
01.2024 - 12.2024
SUAS Flight Operator - Shift Lead
DroneUp
01.2024 - 10.2024
SUAS Flight Operator
DroneUp
12.2022 - 12.2023
Drone Pilot - Independent Contractor
DroneBase (Zeitview)
03.2022 - 11.2022
Financial Services Representative
TD Ameritrade (Charles Schwab)
05.2021 - 03.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership
University of Oklahoma