Remote Safety Pilot (Drone Pilot, GVC)

SkyBound; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing support

EV charging

Life assurance

Job summary

SkyBound in Southampton seeks a Safety Pilot/Coordinator for a 6-month fixed-term contract. You will support safe, compliant drone flight operations across our automated drone systems, including testing, mission planning, risk mitigation, and coordination with clients.

The role requires hands-on drone experience, aviation safety awareness, and strong organisational skills. GVC is essential, with travel as needed and a dynamic, real-world environment.

Qualifications

• GVC essential requirement for the role.
• Hands-on drone operations in real-world environments.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety and risk management.
• Ability to follow structured procedures and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Conduct practical flight testing of the Automated Drone Station (ADS).
• Lead risk mitigation activities and create risk assessments.
• Plan and coordinate flights using established systems and procedures.
• Manage missions using SkyBound's proprietary software.
• Liaise with clients to ensure smooth operational delivery.
• Produce accurate electronic reports and maintain detailed records.
• Capture high-quality data and ensure proper logging and storage.
• Uphold safety, compliance, and operational excellence across activities.

Skills

GVC certificate

Drone operation

Aviation safety

Risk management

Procedural discipline

Client communication

Tools

SkyBound software

Job description

Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

About SkyBound

SkyBound delivers automated drone operations for critical national infrastructure, providing real-time aerial intelligence to support safety, security and faster decision-making.

We combine software, AI and remote operations, with systems managed from our Southampton-based 24/7 control centre and deployed across the UK in some of the most complex airspaces to enable rapid response and continuous site awareness.

As we continue to scale, we are looking for a driven Flight Operations professional to join the team and help shape the future of autonomous operations.

The Role

We're looking for a Safety Pilot/Coordinator to join us on a 6-month fixed-term contract, based in Southampton, to support safe, compliant, and effective flight operations across our automated drone systems (ADS).

You’ll play a key role in the safe delivery, testing, and coordination of our automated drone systems - supporting practical flight testing, mission planning, risk mitigation, and operational coordination, and making sure every deployment meets the highest safety and compliance standards.

This role is ideal for someone with strong aviation discipline, excellent organisational skills, and hands-on drone experience - particularly those holding a GVC qualification and comfortable working in dynamic, real-world environments.

What you’ll do

• Conduct practical flight testing of the Automated Drone Station (ADS)
• Lead risk mitigation activities, including creation of risk assessments
• Plan and coordinate flights using established systems and procedures
• Manage missions using SkyBound's proprietary software
• Liaise directly with clients to ensure smooth operational delivery
• Produce accurate electronic reports and maintain detailed operational records
• Capture high-quality data and ensure correct logging and storage
• Uphold safety, compliance, and operational excellence across all activities

What you’ll need

• GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) - Essential
• Experience operating drones in real-world environments
• A strong understanding of aviation safety and risk management
• The ability to follow structured procedures and maintain accurate records
• Confident communication with clients and internal teams
• Comfort working independently and travelling as required
• Genuine interest in automated drone systems and emerging UAV technologies

Nice to have (training provided where needed)

• A2 CofC
• EASA A2
• Thermography certification
• Radio communications / voice procedures training
• 23 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• Industry relevant training and development
• Flexible and casual working environment
• Health and wellbeing support
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• EV charging points at the office
• Internal and external development opportunities
• Group Life assurance
• Sick pay and salary sacrifice schemes
• On-site parking