Geospatial Engineering: Lead UAV Pilot in Nottingham

Primary Location: UK - Nottingham

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Job Description

The Lead UAV Pilot is responsible for the safe planning, coordination and execution of UAV survey operations in support of the geospatial, surveying and digital delivery services. The role provides technical leadership for drone-based data capture activities, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality spatial datasets to support engineering, infrastructure, and environmental applications.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• UAV Flight Operations
  • Lead the planning and execution of UAV survey operations across a variety of project types and operational environments.
  • Undertake pre-deployment planning activities, including review of site requirements, operational constraints and survey objectives.
  • Conduct UAV flights to capture high-resolution spatial data in accordance with project specifications and operational requirements.
  • Maintain high standards of operational safety, professionalism and technical quality during all field activities.
  • Support continuous improvement of UAV operational practices and data capture techniques.
• Survey & Spatial Data Capture
  • Lead the collection of aerial survey datasets using UAV platforms, GNSS-enabled equipment and complementary survey technologies.
  • Undertake and oversee associated terrestrial survey activities where required, including laser scanning and positioning activities.
  • Verify that survey data acquisition meets project requirements for accuracy, coverage and completeness.
  • Apply sound surveying principles throughout field operations and contribute specialist technical input to complex projects.
  • Work with project teams to determine the most appropriate data capture techniques for client requirements.
• Data Processing & Digital Delivery
  • Support the processing and validation of UAV survey outputs, including photogrammetry models, point clouds and spatial datasets.
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of accurate digital representations of real-world assets and environments.
• Technical Leadership
  • Provide technical guidance for UAV surveying and airborne data capture activities.
  • Promote best practice in UAV operations, survey methodology and data quality management.
  • Share knowledge and lessons learned across the wider geospatial and digital delivery teams.
  • Support the development of team capability through mentoring, coaching and technical collaboration.
• Quality Assurance & Standards
  • Follow documented UK processing workflows and QA/QC procedures.
  • Provide compliance with UK and client standards (e.g. CAA, Network Rail, RICS etc).
  • Identify errors, inconsistencies, or data gaps and elevate issues promptly.

Qualifications

Ready to push the limits of what's possible? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in UAV operations for surveying, mapping and spatial data capture applications.
• UK CAA Remote Pilot Competency (GVC or recognised equivalent).
• Experience planning and delivering drone-based surveys in varied operational environments.
• Strong understanding of spatial data acquisition principles and survey methodologies.
• Experience in the production and interpretation of photogrammetry outputs, point clouds and related survey deliverables.
• Working knowledge of CAD environments.
• Ability to assess project requirements and determine appropriate survey methodologies.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.