Test & Development Remote Pilot

Skyports Drone Services; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading drone services firm in Aylesbury is seeking a Test & Development Remote Pilot to lead UAS operations while collaborating with technology teams. This role involves testing new functionalities and ensuring operational safety. Ideal candidates possess remote piloting expertise, a passion for technology, and strong communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered, alongside a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven remote pilot with military or civilian experience on large-format UAS platforms.
• Comfortable performing maintenance on UAS according to manufacturer instructions.
• Excellent communicator with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to enhance UAS capabilities and delivery service.
• Operate advanced UAS and execute test programs.
• Perform risk assessments and ensure operational safety.
• Analyse flight data for actionable insights.

Skills

Experience as a remote pilot

Technical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Large-format UAS platforms

Maintenance management systems

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Test & Development Remote Pilot

Location: Westcott, Aylesbury – 25%; Remote – 25%; International Travel – 50% (Must have right to work in the UK)

Department: Flight Operations

Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Role

As a Test and Development Pilot, you’ll play a key role in transforming the future of drone services and redefining global logistics. An average month may include:

• Travelling to the USA to perform joint test programs with a supplier partner
• Working with our technical teams across offices to develop new operational procedures and share learnings from operations
• Operating on novel delivery programs to demonstrate industry-leading capabilities to blue-chip customers in markets such as oil and gas

How Can I Be A Part Of The Team?

We’re after experienced UAS operators who live and breathe technology. You won’t just be flying drones; you’ll be part of a team developing solutions that don’t exist anywhere else. As the industry matures and Skyports operations grow in size and complexity, we are onboarding new UAS platforms to meet customer needs. You will be responsible for working directly with our technology team and partners to test new functionality and develop operational procedures to refine the UAS platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with our technology team and UAS provider engineers to expand UAS capabilities and enhance the delivery service.
• Operate advanced UAS platforms and execute test programs to validate system performance.
• Work with technology and regulatory teams to present evidence of safe and well-planned UAS operations to global aviation regulators.
• Ensure operational safety through effective risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and adherence to procedures and checklists.
• Analyse flight data and provide actionable insights for both Skyports and external partners.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical UAS issues, ensuring accurate logging within the Skyports maintenance management system.
• Design mission profiles, coordinate with air traffic control, and adapt to real-time conditions while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Lead cross-functional teams on various projects, maintaining alignment on safety and project goals.
• Stay up to date with UAS technologies and proactively develop your operational expertise.

About You

This role requires a diverse skill set and a passion for technology testing and development. There is no single path or qualification that defines the ideal candidate. Our team members come from various backgrounds, including transitions from different industries to UAS operations. If the following describes you, you could be a great fit:

• You are a proven remote pilot with experience on large-format UAS platforms, either military or civilian.
• You are not afraid to get your hands dirty and enjoy tinkering with electronics and internal combustion engines.
• You have a deep understanding of UAS components and are comfortable performing maintenance on large platforms per manufacturer instructions.
• You own your work and are accountable for your tasks.
• You work well in a team and understand the importance of distributing tasks.
• You understand the need for robust processes within a safety management system and can produce high-quality documentation.
• You are an excellent communicator capable of handling ambiguity and have a track record with internal and external stakeholders.
• You identify the work needed to reach goals and are confident operating with autonomy.

Example Background

• You’re an ex-military UAS operator capable of handling Group 3 UAS or bigger
• You’ve built and tested your own drones and are comfortable around engines
• You have an aviation-related degree and have built and maintained something that relies on an engine

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture

How To Apply

If you’re passionate about aviation and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.