Command Unit Operator

Malloy Aeronautics Ltd; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Pension plan

Bonus scheme

Family leave

Annual leave + Christmas shutdown

Healthcare plan

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Malloy Aeronautics in Berkshire is seeking a Control Unit Operator (CUO) to support UAV flight operations across prototype and production platforms. You will configure aircraft systems, manage batteries, prepare ground equipment, and ensure readiness for safe deployment.

You will monitor performance in flight, design autonomous flight profiles, and assist with post-flight data logging and test reports, collaborating with flight test engineers and production teams.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years in UAV GCS, telemetry or IT systems.
• Hands-on field testing and data logging experience.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate UAV command unit interfaces and provide live feedback.
• Attend trials and support demo flights in UK and abroad.
• Configure UAV platforms for flight testing and calibration.
• Support flight test plans with Pilots and engineers.
• Collect flight data using log viewers and QGC tools.
• Document results and assist in post-flight reviews.

Skills

UAV GCS

Telemetry

IT systems

Field repairs

Technical communication

Tools

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Log viewers

Job description

At Malloy Aeronautics, we're on a mission to revolutionise uncrewed flight. We develop advanced heavy-lift UAVs for both defence and commercial applications.

What sets us apart is our in-house approach. From design and engineering to manufacturing and testing, the majority of our work happens under one roof in Berkshire, allowing us to innovate quickly, maintain exceptional quality, and bring ideas to life faster.

For our teams, that means hands-on involvement, real ownership, and the opportunity to help shape the future of uncrewed aviation.

Role Summary

Acting as a Control Unit Operator (CUO), you will support the preparation and execution of UAV flight operations across both prototype and production platforms. You will be responsible for configuring aircraft systems, charging and managing batteries, preparing ground equipment, and ensuring readiness for safe deployment. You'll monitor aircraft performance in-flight, design autonomous flight profiles, and handle post-flight data logging to support system validation and delivery readiness. Collaborating with flight test engineers and production teams, you'll troubleshoot issues and verify system functionality.

Ability to hold Security Clearance - 5 years residence in the UK

What you'll be doing (but not limited to):

• Operates UAV command unit interfaces (GCS, telemetry, tracking) and provides live feedback to remote Pilots regarding flight operation validating expected performance and identify anomalies.
• Attend trials and supports demo flights with potential customers on and off site (UK and abroad)
• Support root cause analysis of test failures or performance issues by correlating flight logs, sensor data, and pilot input
• Prepare and configure UAV platforms for flight testing, telemetry, and system calibration
• Support the execution of flight test plans in collaboration with Pilots, engineers, and operations teams
• Collect and download flight data using tools such as log viewers, MissionPlanner, QGroundControl or custom scripts
• Assist in planning test events, and setting up ground control equipment and test instrumentation, which may involve liaising with engineers and technicians
• Conduct post-flight reviews, document results, and support the generation of structured flight test reports
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test procedures, flight readiness checks, and data validation methods
• Ensure all test activities comply with safety standards, operational protocols, and relevant regulatory guidelines

Essential Skills and Experiences:

• Team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, field-based environment
• Quick learner
• 1-4 years in UAV GCS, telemetry, or IT systems
• Basic understanding of UAV flight dynamics, subsystems (e.g. propulsion, flight control, telemetry), and test instrumentation
• Hands-on ability to perform field repairs, and basic system troubleshooting
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills for writing test reports and feedback summaries
• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious, with a methodical approach to test and flying execution
• Good organisation skills including adaptive planning
• Very safety conscious around aircraft and batteries

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Basic scripting experience (e.g. Python or MATLAB)
• Ardupilot / mission planner / QGC
• Familiarity with flight test planning, test point development, and validation methodologies

Benefits you may be eligible for:

• Alternate Fridays off with our 9-day fortnight
• BAE Systems Share Incentive Plan
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Annual collective incentive bonus scheme
• Enhanced family leave with 6 months' full-pay maternity leave and 4 weeks' full-pay paternity leave
• 20 days' annual leave, increasing with service, plus a 3-day Christmas shutdown
• Company sick pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan with Virtual GP access, dental and optical support, plus free cover for dependent children up to age 24
• Mental health and wellbeing support available 24/7
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Proud supporter of the Armed Forces through our Bronze Armed Forces Covenant commitment.

Malloy Aeronautics employees will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at Malloy Aeronautics are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also