At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead drone inspections to ensure the UK's powerlines are safe and connected.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of drone technology and make a real impact on energy safety.
- Qualifications: No expert skills needed; just a passion for learning and safety.
The predicted salary is between 45865 - 45865 £ per year.
Lead the future of powerline inspections from above using cutting-edge drone technology to keep the UK’s transmission network safe, resilient and connected. We’re looking for 4x passionate UAS Remote Pilots to join our Overhead Lines Aviation Team! As a UAS Remote Pilot, you’ll use Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, to support safe and effective inspections across our Electricity Transmission overhead line assets. You’ll take a leading role capturing inspection and survey data that supports engineering decisions, delivers asset insight and contributes to a safe, reliable and resilient transmission network.
This role sits within our dedicated UAS capability, working with the latest uncrewed aircraft, sensors and associated technologies to help transform how National Grid inspects and manages its assets. The UAS Remote Pilot will lead stakeholder engagement, operational planning, safe and compliant flight delivery, and processing, record keeping and continuous improvement, working closely with engineering, operational and specialist teams across the business. This is a national role with hybrid working and regular UK-wide travel to operational sites, depots and offices depending on work programme and team requirements. The role will involve working outdoors in all seasons, occasional out-of-hours working and supporting priority operational activity at short notice. We’re happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that could help make this role work for you.
What You’ll Do
- Carry out UAS surveys to capture high-quality imagery, video and survey data across Electricity Transmission assets.
- Plan and support safe flight operations, including pre-flight planning, site checks, risk assessments, land access requirements and coordination with operational teams.
- Deliver UAS activity in line with aviation regulations, National Grid procedures, safety requirements and relevant operating permissions.
- Maintain accurate flight logs, records and operational documentation using company systems.
- Manage and transfer collected data so it can be used effectively by engineering, asset and geospatial teams.
- Work closely with engineers, planners, environmental specialists, operational teams and third-party providers to meet inspection and survey requirements.
- Support equipment preparation, basic maintenance and operational readiness before and after UAS activity.
- Contribute to the trial and evaluation of new UAS technologies, sensors and inspection techniques, including development of Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, data quality and the way in which our UAS capability is delivered across the business.
What You’ll Have
- You don’t need to be an expert remote pilot to apply. We’re looking for people with the right mindset, behaviours and willingness to develop their skills in a fast-paced and safety-critical operational environment.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Level 4 qualification or equivalent industrial, technical or operational experience.
- A strong focus on safety, compliance and always doing the right thing.
- Attention to detail, an inquisitive attitude and pride in delivering high-quality work.
- Willingness to learn new technical skills and develop as a Remote Pilot.
- Ability to work outdoors and travel across the UK as required.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, operational teams and other stakeholders.
- A proactive, can-do approach with the ability to take ownership of tasks in pressurised and complex operational environments.
- A strong interest in uncrewed aviation, technology, data capture and Electricity Transmission.
- Experience in UAS operations, engineering, fieldwork, inspection, mobile robotics or geospatial data collection would be beneficial.
- An existing CAA A2 CofC, GVC or RPC-L1 qualification would be beneficial, but is not essential.
- A basic understanding of UK UAS regulation is expected, and experience working in a safety-critical or highly regulated environment would be beneficial.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
What You’ll Get
- A Salary of up to £45,865 dependant on experience.
- As well as your base salary you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
Further Information
The closing date for this vacancy is Midnight 11 August 26.
About us
Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating, and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power. From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience. Incentive Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year. Retirement Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%. Private medical insurance for self and family.
UAS Remote Pilot employer: National Grid plc
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Manager – Group Technical Accounting in our London office, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's leading energy companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UAS Remote Pilot
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with National Grid plc for a UAS Remote Pilot. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace UAS Remote Pilot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at National Grid plc, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At National Grid plc, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with National Grid plc.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with National Grid plc. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like National Grid plc love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
