UAS Flight Operations Lead (UK)

SYOS Aerospace; Fareham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace in the United Kingdom is seeking a Flight Operations Manager to own and deliver UAS flight operations, including flight trials and demonstrations, while coordinating with regulators, customers and industry partners to ensure safety and compliance.

You will lead pilots and multidisciplinary teams, develop flight plans, monitor performance and drive improvements in operational efficiency and safety within a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in aviation, engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience in flight operations management, ideally in military, defence or UAS environments.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards.
• Experience with UK CAA requirements and/or MAA regulations.
• Proven ability to lead pilots, operators and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent planning, organisational and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of UAS flight trials and demonstrations for defence and civil customers.
• Work closely with engineering teams to align trials with technical and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with military personnel, government organisations, customers and industry partners for demonstrations and exercises.
• Coordinate SYOS participation in joint exercises and activities with international customers.
• Lead pilots, operators, flight-test support teams and other personnel to ensure safe and successful mission execution.
• Develop and manage flight plans, schedules and operational activities.
• Coordinate resources across engineering, operations and supporting teams to ensure smooth delivery.
• Lead and support the development of SYOS pilots and operators to achieve strong operational outcomes.
• Ensure all flight activities are conducted safely and in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.
• Monitor operational KPIs and identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency and delivery.
• Develop and implement improvements to flight operations, processes and procedures.
• Optimise operational resources while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
• Work closely with the Trials & Certification Engineer to prepare UK CAA and MAA applications and approvals.
• Take ownership of the operational and Safety Management System components of the relevant regulatory approvals.
• Act as a key point of contact with regulators for new and ongoing operational approvals.
• Ensure flight operations remain compliant as systems and environments evolve.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Planning & scheduling

Stakeholder management

Operational risk management

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aviation or engineering

Job description

SYOS Aerospace in the United Kingdom is seeking a Flight Operations Manager to own and deliver UAS flight operations, including flight trials and demonstrations, while coordinating with regulators, customers and industry partners to ensure safety and compliance.

You will lead pilots and multidisciplinary teams, develop flight plans, monitor performance and drive improvements in operational efficiency and safety within a fast-moving environment.