At a Glance
- Tasks: Train and assess remote pilots in UAS operations, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Join a pioneering UAS technology company transforming flight operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, and access to fantastic on-site facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and travel across the UK and Europe.
- Why this job: Shape the future of flight training while making a real impact in a fast-growing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in UAS instruction and a passion for developing others.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
This is your chance to play a defining role in a new kind of flight operation. Critical infrastructure is under growing pressure, meaning inspections must scale to meet demand. You'll ensure the standard for the pilots who make that possible. sees.ai flies UAS to collect close visual inspection data for critical national infrastructure operators, pioneering the safe, routine BVLOS operations behind it — with technology built end-to-end in-house. We're already operating at scale with National Grid and expanding internationally across Europe, having a well-established relationship with the CAA and we are consolidating our training structure as we progress towards RAE status.
As the business scales fast, effective training and competency programs will be a key enabler, and you will own how we deliver this capability.
The Role
As Flight Operations Instructor, you'll own the delivery of training, assessment and continued competency for the pilots conducting our flight operations. You'll take remote pilots and flight crew from initial qualification through to the advanced standards our Specific category and BVLOS operations demand, in full alignment with CAA requirements. Reporting to the Flight Operations Training and Quality Manager, you'll deliver instruction, run assessments and skills tests, and drive competency across the Flight Operations Team.
What You'll Do
We're a fast-growing UAS technology company and service provider. The basic training function is well established and closely aligned with the CAA, but the pace of our scaling means it now needs to move to its next stage: more pilots, more operations, higher throughput without any loss of standard. You'll shape how that function evolves and build the capability that scales with the business.
- UAS system instruction: plan and deliver classroom, simulator and in-the-field training across the full remote pilot syllabus, alongside company-specific type conversions and operational training on our fleet (Tiree, Yealm, DJI M400, Whitby).
- Vehicle instruction: on- and off-road driver training, and UAS ground support vehicle system training.
- Competency assessment: design and conduct flight assessments, skills tests, theoretical examinations and recurrent currency checks against both CAA standards and our internal competency framework (including our BVLOS OSC remote pilot and ground control station role standards).
- Courseware development: build and maintain training syllabi, lesson plans, assessment criteria and supporting materials, keeping them current with CAP 722, our Operations Manual and the evolving UAS regulatory framework.
- Standards and assurance: act as the reference point for instructional standardisation, support and develop other instructors and assessors, and feed training findings into our Safety and Quality Management Systems.
- Training records and compliance: maintain accurate, auditable records of training, competency and currency, meeting statutory record-keeping and retention obligations consistently.
- Operational flight crew: maintain your own remote pilot currency and operate as an integral member of a flight crew, so your instruction stays grounded in real, in-the-field operations.
As a company in its scaling phase, roles here are necessarily dynamic. We'll expect a degree of flexibility, and there will be opportunities to contribute beyond your core remit as the business grows.
Who You Are
This role will suit you if you want to continue building an evolving system rather than either inherit a finished system or start from scratch. You'll enjoy the mix of hands-on flying, instruction and assessment, and the structured, detail-oriented work of scaling a training system while holding it to a high standard.
A capable and credible instructor who can teach confidently in the classroom, the simulator and the field, and who genuinely enjoys developing other people. Holds, or can rapidly attain, CAA-recognised instructional and assessment qualifications — for example, demonstrable experience delivering GVC and A2 CofC instruction within a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), or an equivalent assessor/examiner background. Significant remote pilot experience, ideally including Specific category and BVLOS operations; a current GVC and broad type experience are strongly preferred. Deep working knowledge of the UK UAS regulatory framework, including CAP 722 and its sub-documents, the Air Navigation Order, and the current UAS Implementing Regulation as retained in UK law. A recognised teaching or training qualification (e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or military/aviation instructional accreditation) is highly desirable. A background in aviation, military UAS or another safety-critical instructional environment would be a strong advantage. Detail-oriented and organised, comfortable owning training records, syllabi and assessment evidence to an auditable standard. A mature communicator who can give clear, constructive feedback and produce concise, accurate written reports and assessments. Willing to travel throughout the UK and internationally (full UK manual driving licence required). Unrestricted right to work in the UK.
We value practical experience and a genuine track record of bringing people up to standard safely. If you've built or run a training and competency function — in UAS, crewed aviation, the military or another technical, safety-critical domain — we want to hear from you.
The Offer
See the direct impact of your work across the entire business. Join a company at a stage where your work will directly shape how it scales. Work from our West Lavant site in the South Downs — a unique environment with excellent on-site facilities (gym, pool, tennis courts, café, and more). A competitive salary and our EMI share option scheme.
Flight Operations Instructor - UAS employer: sees.ai
At sees.ai, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their roles. Located in the picturesque West Lavant, our modern facilities provide a stimulating environment for professional growth, particularly for those passionate about IT and engineering. With ample opportunities for development and a commitment to building a secure, cloud-first IT infrastructure, joining our team means contributing to the future of autonomous systems while enjoying a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Operations Instructor - UAS
✨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 sees.ai for a Flight Operations Instructor - UAS. 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 Flight Operations Instructor - UAS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at sees.ai, 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 sees.ai, 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 sees.ai
✨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 sees.ai.
✨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 sees.ai. 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 sees.ai love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.