At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drone operations and manage regulatory compliance for cutting-edge UAS technology.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, employee-owned firm focused on climate data and robotics with real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, international travel, EMI share options, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about science, tech, and sustainability in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automated aviation, making a difference in climate research and technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in UAS operations, aviation compliance, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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UAV Talent is seeking a forward-thinking UAS Operations Manager to spearhead the next generation of automated drone operations across the UK and Europe. You’ll be at the helm of a world-class programme focused on atmospheric data and climate research-driven by advanced, highly autonomous UAS platforms.
This is not your standard drone job. It’s about scaling BVLOS missions, integrating cutting-edge payloads, and crafting the aviation systems that underpin a truly automated fleet. You’ll own regulatory readiness, technical operations, and client integration in one of the most exciting sectors in aerospace.
What You’ll be working on:
- Lead and evolve all regulatory documentation - Operations Manuals and the SORA Package
- Own Operational Authorisation submissions and airspace access processes across CAA, EASA, and ANSPs.
- Build and maintain the systems that enable safe, repeatable BVLOS autonomous flight.
Fleet & Mission Oversight
- Ensure airworthiness, spares availability, and mission readiness across the drone fleet.
- Lead client-specific UAV/payload integrations for highly customised scientific missions.
- Grow and guide a skilled team across operations, safety, and engineering support.
Stakeholder Engagement & Innovation
- Act as the interface between technical teams, customers, and regulators.
- Support R&D on autonomy, airspace integration, and performance scaling.
- Represent operations in bids, live demos, and technical consultations.
About the Company
Our client is a fast-growing, employee-owned science and tech firm focused on climate and atmospheric data, with projects spanning Europe and the Arctic. Operating at the intersection of robotics, aviation, and science, they blend a start-up culture with real-world impact-working in low-bureaucracy, high-autonomy environments.
What You Bring
- Expertise in UAS operations and aviation compliance (CAP 722, EU 2019/947, SORA).
- Experience managing automated or semi-autonomous UAS systems.
- Excellent communicator, able to brief regulators, clients, and C-suite leaders alike.
- Proven ability to lead in both strategic planning and real-time operations.
Bonus Points For:
- Exposure to meteorological or atmospheric science.
- Project management credentials.
- Familiarity with AI tools or automation frameworks.
- Industry group involvement or safety/first aid training.
The Offer
- 30 days holiday + Bank Holidays
- International travel opportunities
- EMI share options & pension scheme
Please contact hello@uavtalent.com or apply directly.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
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Industries
Business Consulting and Services
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Drone Operations Manager in Wakefield employer: UAV Talent
UAV Talent is an exceptional employer for Remote Pilots, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of UAV technology. With around 50% of your time spent in the field across the UK and Europe, you will engage in meaningful operations that directly impact the future of unmanned aviation. The company fosters a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while ensuring comprehensive medical cover and a competitive salary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drone Operations Manager in Wakefield
✨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 UAV Talent for a Drone Operations Manager. 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 Drone Operations Manager in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at UAV Talent, 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 UAV Talent, 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 UAV Talent
✨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 UAV Talent.
✨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 UAV Talent. 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 UAV Talent love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
