Autonomous Flight Operations Lead

SYOS Aerospace; Fareham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace is seeking a Flight Operations Manager to lead and own UK flight operations, including planning, trials, and demonstrations for defence and civil customers.

You will coordinate with engineering, trials, certification and regulatory bodies to ensure safe, compliant delivery and ongoing operator development. Regular travel is required, with leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in aviation, engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in flight operations management, ideally within military aviation, defence or UAS environments.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, safety standards and operational risk management.
• Experience working with UK CAA requirements and/or MAA regulations.
• Proven ability to lead pilots, operators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach with strong attention to safety and detail.
• A serious get‑up‑and‑go attitude.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Eligible to live and work in the UK and able to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of UAS flight trials and demonstrations for defence and civil customers.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure trials are aligned with technical and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with military personnel, government organisations, customers and industry partners for demonstrations and exercises.
• Coordinate SYOS participation in joint exercises and activities with international customers.
• Lead pilots, operators, flight-test support teams and other personnel to ensure safe and successful mission execution.
• Develop and manage effective flight plans, schedules and operational activities.
• Coordinate resources across engineering, operations and supporting teams to ensure smooth delivery.
• Lead and support the development of SYOS pilots and operators to achieve strong operational outcomes.
• Ensure all flight activities are conducted safely and in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.
• Monitor operational KPIs and identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency and delivery.
• Develop and implement improvements to flight operations, processes and procedures.
• Optimize operational resources while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
• Work closely with the Trials & Certification Engineer to prepare and submit UK CAA and MAA applications and approvals.
• Take ownership of the operational and Safety Management System components of the relevant regulatory approvals.
• Act as a key point of contact with regulators for new and ongoing operational approvals.
• Ensure flight operations remain compliant as our systems, capabilities and operating environments evolve.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in aviation/engineering

Job description

SYOS Aerospace is seeking a Flight Operations Manager to lead and own UK flight operations, including planning, trials, and demonstrations for defence and civil customers.

You will coordinate with engineering, trials, certification and regulatory bodies to ensure safe, compliant delivery and ongoing operator development. Regular travel is required, with leadership across multidisciplinary teams.