UAS GCS Operator: Flight Trials & Global Missions

SYOS Aerospace; Fareham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace UK is seeking a hands-on UAS Ground Control Station Operator to join our Flight Operations team. You will operate Ground Control Stations, support Remote Pilots and collaborate with engineering, autonomy and flight test teams to safely execute missions.

You’ll ensure aircraft health, telemetry and mission data are monitored, document outcomes and contribute to BVLOS and complex operations. Travel to airfields and customer sites is expected, with compliance to UK CAA requirements

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience operating UAS/UAV Ground Control Stations in an operational, aviation, defence, aerospace or safety‑critical environment.
• Understanding of uncrewed aircraft operations and flight planning principles.
• Understanding of UK UAS regulations and concepts such as CAA CAP 722, Specific Category and Operational Authorisations.
• Ability to interpret telemetry, aircraft health and mission data and make timely decisions under pressure.
• Strong situational awareness and disciplined, checklist‑driven working practices.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, particularly when working as part of a flight crew.
• Confidence using computer‑based mission systems, mapping software and operational applications.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to remain focused in demanding operational environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including internationally and at short notice.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Eligible to live and work in the UK and able to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate Ground Control Stations during flight trials, demonstrations and operational missions.
• Monitor aircraft health, telemetry, communications and mission status throughout flight.
• Execute mission plans and update operational parameters as required.
• Support autonomous and semi-autonomous flight operations.
• Assist Remote Pilots during take‑off, mission execution and recovery.
• Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight and post‑flight operational checks.
• Configure mission systems, payloads and communications equipment.
• Monitor and operate EO/IR, ISR and other mission payloads.
• Maintain situational awareness of airspace, weather and operational risks.
• Record mission data, observations and operational outcomes.
• Support BVLOS and complex UAS operations where authorised.
• Follow SYOS Flight Operations Manuals, SOPs and Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.
• Identify and report hazards, incidents and operational risks.
• Support a positive, just‑culture approach to safety reporting.
• Ensure operations comply with applicable UK CAA regulations, customer requirements and internal procedures.
• Support operational risk assessments, mission briefings and flight readiness activities.
• Assist with system integration, testing and validation activities.
• Support troubleshooting of aircraft, payloads, communications and Ground Control Systems.
• Provide operational feedback to engineering, autonomy and flight test teams.
• Participate in developmental, verification and acceptance testing programmes.
• Assist with identifying system performance issues and recommending improvements.
• Deploy across the UK and internationally to support customer demonstrations, training and operational missions.
• Support transportation, setup and teardown of GCS and associated mission equipment.
• Work alongside military, government and commercial customers in a professional and operational environment.
• Be prepared to work outdoors and across varied operational locations, including extended or unsociable hours when required.

Skills

Ground Control

UAS operations

UK regulations

Telemetry data

Situational awareness

Teamwork

Mission systems

Attention to detail

Travel willingness

Driving licence

UK work eligibility

Security clearance

GCS operation

Operational mindset

Safety culture

Tools

GCS software

EO/IR payloads

Job description

SYOS Aerospace UK is seeking a hands-on UAS Ground Control Station Operator to join our Flight Operations team. You will operate Ground Control Stations, support Remote Pilots and collaborate with engineering, autonomy and flight test teams to safely execute missions.

You’ll ensure aircraft health, telemetry and mission data are monitored, document outcomes and contribute to BVLOS and complex operations. Travel to airfields and customer sites is expected, with compliance to UK CAA requirements