At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative ISR solutions using drone technology.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on defence and commercial sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, gym membership, professional development days, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving world of drone operations and ISR.
- Qualifications: Experience with RPAS systems and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London / Hybrid with international travel as required
Contract Type: 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract
The Role
Prevail Partners is seeking an experienced RPAS Programme Manager to support the development and delivery of ISRaaS (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance as a Service) opportunities across government, defence, and commercial environments. This role will provide specialist expertise across remotely piloted aircraft systems RPAS, wider ISR capability development, regulatory compliance, solution design, and project delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with operational, commercial, and technical stakeholders to help shape scalable ISR solutions aligned to client requirements. The position is ideally suited to someone with commercial experience; strong practical and strategic understanding of drone operations; ISR integration, aviation regulation, and project coordination within complex or high-assurance environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the internal SME for RPAS/drone capability development and wider ISRaaS opportunities
- Lead the design and development of ISR solutions for government, defence, and commercial clients.
- Advise on UK and international RPAS regulatory requirements, permissions, and compliance frameworks
- Engage with internal stakeholders to support bid activity, solution architecture, and technical proposals
- Support project planning, mobilisation, and delivery activities across ISR-related projects
- Provide technical input into operational concepts, deployment models, and capability integration
- Liaise with external suppliers, operators, regulators, and technology partners where required
- Support the assessment and selection of suitable RPAS platforms, sensors, and supporting technologies
- Contribute to risk assessments, operational procedures, governance documentation, and assurance processes
- Help identify future ISRaaS opportunities, capability gaps, and innovation initiatives
Essential Experience
- Ability to translate technical concepts into operational or commercial outcomes
- Strong experience working with RPAS/drone systems within defence, security, government, or commercial sectors
- Good understanding of ISR operations, collection methodologies, and supporting technologies
- Knowledge of UK CAA regulations and broader international drone/RPAS regulatory frameworks
- Experience supporting technical solution design and operational planning
- Experience coordinating or managing technical projects or operational deployments
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving environments
Desirable
- Experience supporting ISR capability development within defence or national security environments
- Knowledge of counter-UAS considerations and airspace management
- Experience with BVLOS operations or complex operational environments
- Existing relationships within the RPAS, aviation, or ISR ecosystem
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, or client-facing solution development
- Security clearance (SC/DV) or willingness to undergo clearance
Benefits
At Prevail, we believe in recognising and rewarding our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, professional development, and life beyond work:
- AXA Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded private healthcare cover through AXA
- Health Shield Cashback Plan: Claim cashback on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and more
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: A tax-efficient way to save for your future through pension contributions
- Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and wellbeing support through Health Hero
- Free Gym Membership & Wellness Perks: Free gym access for London employees at Manor Gym, plus company-sponsored fitness classes each week
- Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility and care
- Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self-directed learning
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post-probation
- Season Ticket Loans: Interest-free loans to support annual commuting costs
- Socials & Team Culture: Company socials every other Thursday, regular run club meetups, plus summer and Christmas events that bring the team together
- Culture & Development: A values-led culture with collaborative initiatives and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development
RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead) in London employer: Prevail
Prevail Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, enhanced leave entitlements, and dedicated professional development days, all within a vibrant London location that fosters a supportive work culture. Employees enjoy opportunities for meaningful engagement through team socials and wellness initiatives, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in the RPAS and ISR sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead) in London
✨Tap into Aerospace Communities
Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like Prevail.
✨Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring
Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like Prevail.
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at Prevail and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on Prevail.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with Prevail. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with Prevail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prevail
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at Prevail.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
