Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician

Anduril Industries; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company in the UK is seeking a Technical Operations Engineer to master and operate unmanned aircraft systems. You will lead ground operations, pilot aircraft, and ensure mission success through close collaboration with various teams. Ideal candidates should possess strong mechanical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a technical degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. The role requires extensive travel and offers competitive benefits, making it perfect for those eager to innovate in the aviation field.

Benefits

Competitive Healthcare

Equity grants

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Professional development reimbursement

Retirement savings plan

Qualifications

• Proficiency in mechanical and technical tasks with a strong grasp of tools and electronics.
• Understanding of basic computer networking concepts.
• Ability to independently master and support complex technical systems in challenging environments.
• Substantial hands-on technical experience in field operations, manufacturing, or testing.
• Professional background in UAV operations, maintenance, or as a Crew Chief.

Responsibilities

• Lead air vehicle ground operations for Group 1 UAS.
• Pilot aircraft through waypoint navigation and manual control.
• Collaborate with internal teams to plan and lead operational events.
• Deploy globally operating BOLT for mission success.

Skills

Mechanical proficiency

Technical problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication abilities

Team collaboration

Root cause analysis

Adaptability

Education

Technical or associate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Technical or associate degree in aerospace/Quadcopter UAS

Tools

Ground Control Station software

NixOS

Rust

Linux

Unix OS

Job description

As a Technical Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for mastering, maintaining, and operating a comprehensive suite of unmanned aircraft systems globally, mostly quadcopters.

What You’ll Do

• Lead as Air Vehicle ground operations lead for Group 1 UAS, overseeing event planning and execution, assembling aircraft and sub‑systems, and mastering Ground Control Station software and BOLT concept of operations.
• Serve as Aircraft Operator/Instructor Operator, piloting aircraft through waypoint navigation and manual control, conducting mission planning, and supporting ground testing events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to plan and lead successful operational and test events, conducting pre‑flight briefings and post‑flight debriefings.
• Deploy globally operating BOLT to ensure mission success.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to pivot to other functions as required by shifting organizational priorities or urgent mission needs.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency in mechanical and technical tasks with a strong grasp of tools and electronics.
• Understanding of basic computer networking concepts.
• Detail‑oriented with excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to independently master and support complex technical systems in challenging environments.
• Substantial hands‑on technical experience in field operations, manufacturing, or testing.
• Professional background in UAV operations, maintenance, or as a Crew Chief, with a comprehensive understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and sensors.
• Proven problem‑solving skills at the intersection of hardware, software, and operations, with a focus on mission success.
• Experience in collaborating with cross‑functional engineering teams and external customers.
• Ability to perform data‑driven root cause analysis on complex systems.
• Strong computer proficiency and documentation skills.
• Experience in training others on hardware products.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including up to one month deployments.
• Eligibility to obtain relevant aviation certifications and full medical clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.
• Open to learning and working on other Anduril platforms.
• Willing to travel to remote and austere environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical or associate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
• Technical or associate degree in aerospace/Quadcopter UAS or a related field.
• Prior military or international contracting experience.
• Familiarity with NixOS, Rust, Linux, Unix OS and command‑line tools.
• Hazard zone experience.
• Experience in explosive operations and/or handling munitions.

Salary Range

Competitive.

Benefits

• Competitive Healthcare.
• Equity grants.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off with holiday hiatus in December.
• Family planning and parenting support.
• Mental health resources.
• Professional development reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits.
• Relocation assistance.
• Retirement savings plan.