Drone Pilot for AI Training and Data Collection

TSMG Holding; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

TSMG Holding in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Drone Pilot to develop and collect real-world datasets for training AI models in autonomous navigation, computer vision, and sensor fusion. You will operate advanced drones and work with AI engineers to align data collection with project needs.

Responsibilities include flying with LiDAR, thermal and multispectral sensors, performing data quality checks, and ensuring compliance with CAA regulations.

Qualifications

• Commercial drone pilot certification (CAA or equivalent).
• Proven track record collecting data for industrial, research, or AI-focused applications.
• Expertise with sensors such as LiDAR, thermal cameras, RGB cameras, and multispectral sensors.
• Familiarity with autonomous flight, sensor integration, and ML workflows related to real-time data processing.
• Strong understanding of how drone-collected data is used for AI training (perception, navigation, decision-making).
• Experience with flight planning software (Pix4D, DroneDeploy) and geospatial data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of data quality checks and preprocessing for AI datasets.

Responsibilities

• Pilot drones with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, and thermal sensors to collect diverse datasets for training AI algorithms in autonomous navigation, CV, and sensor fusion.
• Capture data in urban, rural, industrial, and challenging weather conditions to expose AI systems to varied environments.
• Execute complex drone missions with objectives like aerial mapping, 3D reconstruction, obstacle detection, and object tracking.
• Collaborate with AI engineers and machine learning specialists to ensure data collection meets model training requirements.
• Perform post-flight data quality checks and initial preprocessing for AI datasets.
• Operate drones in manual and autonomous modes, supporting AI-driven flight operations.
• Adhere to UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local aviation regulations, ensuring safe compliance of all drone missions.
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of drones and onboard sensors to ensure peak performance.

Skills

Drone operation

Data collection

Autonomous flight

Sensor fusion

Computer vision

Geospatial data analysis

Flight planning software

Tools

Pix4D

DroneDeploy

Geospatial software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Drone Pilot to assist in the development and training of AI models, specifically in the areas of computer vision, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation. The ideal candidate will be responsible for collecting high-quality data in real-world environments, contributing to the optimization of AI algorithms that power autonomous systems.

As a Drone Pilot for AI & Autonomous Systems Training, you will operate advanced drones to capture data essential for training and validating AI models that power autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pilot drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and other sensors to collect diverse datasets used for training AI algorithms, particularly for autonomous navigation, computer vision, and sensor fusion
• Capture data in various real-world conditions (e.g., urban, rural, industrial, challenging weather conditions) to expose AI systems to a wide range of environments and scenarios
• Execute complex drone missions with precise data collection objectives, such as aerial mapping, 3D reconstruction, obstacle detection, and object tracking
• Collaborate closely with AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and autonomous systems teams to ensure data collection aligns with the specific requirements of AI model training
• Perform post-flight data quality checks and initial preprocessing to ensure the datasets are ready for use in training AI models
• Operate drones in both manual and autonomous modes, supporting AI-driven flight operations where drones rely on onboard algorithms for navigation and decision-making
• Adhere to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local aviation regulations governing drone operations, ensuring the safe and compliant conduct of all drone missions
• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of drones and onboard sensors to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability

Qualifications:

• Commercial drone pilot certification (CAA or equivalent), with additional certifications in safety or advanced drone technologies considered a plus
• Proven track record as a drone pilot, with significant experience in collecting data for industrial, research, or AI-focused applications
• Expertise in flying drones equipped with advanced sensors such as LiDAR, thermal cameras, RGB cameras, and multispectral sensors
• Familiarity with the nuances of autonomous flight, sensor integration, and machine learning workflows, especially those that involve real-time data processing
• Strong understanding of how drone-collected data is used for AI training, including its role in training AI for perception, navigation, and decision-making
• Experience in using software for flight planning, such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or similar platforms, and geospatial data analysis tools
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts, especially those related to computer vision (e.g., image segmentation, object detection, and tracking) and autonomous navigation systems
• Basic understanding of geospatial data processing, photogrammetry, and 3D reconstruction techniques for AI applications
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to ensuring the highest quality of data collection and analysis
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.