Flight Operator & Mission Planner

Aalto; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Farnborough seeks individuals with aviation experience for roles in operating unmanned aerial systems. The position involves training in both Operator and Mission Planner roles, with responsibilities in flight planning and compliance with aviation regulations. Ideal candidates will hold relevant licenses and demonstrate strong communication skills. Opportunities for career development are available.

Qualifications

• Must pass a CAA or FAA medical when required.
• Ability to travel and be deployed on projects internationally.
• Demonstrate ability to interact with military and civilian stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Handle flight planning, meteorology, and airspace management.
• Manage system and aircraft navigation from the ground control.
• Support ground activities such as training, systems testing, and mission planning.

Skills

Experience and interest in operating unmanned aerial systems

Knowledge of national and international aviation regulations

Excellent analytical skills

Clear communication under pressure

Ability to make complex decisions

Education

Current Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) or equivalent

Radio Telephony License (RT)

Job description

Welcome to AALTO, where we're soaring the trail to a stratospheric future! We're not just rewriting the rulebook; we're rewriting the skies themselves, propelling High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology to unprecedented heights.

Powered by solar energy and operating above 60,000+ feet, Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record is over 64 days in the stratosphere. As a payload agnostic platform, Zephyr can deliver several applications including targeted surveillance, disaster management, border protection, and precision agriculture.

Join us in this exhilarating journey, where you won't just be part of a team; you'll be part of an eclectic, passionate group of visionaries shaping the future of stratospheric flight and the services it enables. Ready to write history with us?

Job Purpose:

We require people with aviation experience to operate the system as part of a multi-person crew. You will undergo 5 weeks of Operator Training and 4 weeks of Mission Planner Training, followed by advanced on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the simulator at our training facility in Farnborough UK, and on deployment at our AALTO Port. This is your opportunity to be part of an exciting aviation activity at the leading edge of global Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible for the safe, compliant and consistent delivery of Zephyr flight operations in one of two roles: Operator And/or Mission Planner. Training is provided for both roles, but eventual appointment and progression will depend upon qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills. The roles will encompass the following tasks:

• Flight planning, meteorology, system preparation and airspace management.
• System management and aircraft navigation from a ground control station.
• Enable compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and standards (e.g. CAA, KCAA) and maintain high standards of safety across all flight operations.
• General flight operations and support tasks.
• When not engaged in active flight operations, you will support a range of ground-based activities, including but not limited to, training, mission planning, system testing and design, flight data analysis, operational readiness and cross functional collaboration with engineering teams, operations and safety teams on site in Farnborough.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience and interest in operating unmanned aerial systems.
• Knowledge of national and international aviation regulations (e.g. CAA, KCAA)
• Proven ability to communicate clearly including under high pressure situations.
• Ability to travel and be deployed on projects internationally.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to be able to interact at all levels with both military and civilian stakeholders.
• Demonstrate ability to make and implement complex risk-based decisions under pressure.
• Must pass a criminal background check with no open law violations.

To meet the minimum qualifications, you must:

• Be able to pass an CAA or FAA medical when required.
• Hold a current Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), or equivalent qualification.
• Hold Radio Telephony License (RT) – mandatory for pilots who will operate in controlled airspace or conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
• Be able to work unusual hours to support 24/7 operations.

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