What types of drone roles are common in London?

Common roles include drone pilots, software engineers, data analysts, and regulatory specialists. The city's diverse tech ecosystem supports a wide range of specialisations.

Are most drone jobs in London based in offices or on-site?

While many roles involve office-based work, especially for software development and data analysis, there is also a significant need for on-site operations, particularly for aerial surveying and maintenance.

What are the key industries hiring drone professionals in London?

Key industries include tech startups, large tech firms, construction, urban planning, and security. Research institutions and government agencies also have a strong presence.

How does London's regulatory environment affect drone operations?

London has strict regulations to ensure public safety and privacy. Drone operators must be certified and comply with local and national regulations, which can impact operational procedures.

Drone Jobs in London

The UK's financial and tech hub, London is a bustling centre for drone innovation and operations. From urban air mobility to advanced surveillance, the city is at the forefront of UAV technology.

Open roles

Salary range

£27k – £130k

Hiring companies

View 16 live roles → Get an alert

London, the capital and largest city in the UK, is a key hub for drone technology and operations. The city's vibrant tech ecosystem, coupled with its dense urban environment, makes it an ideal location for companies working on urban air mobility, aerial surveying, and advanced surveillance. Major tech firms, startups, and research institutions are all active in the drone space, creating a diverse range of roles from drone piloting and engineering to software development and regulatory compliance. Whether you're looking to work in a bustling office or a cutting-edge research lab, London offers a dynamic and exciting environment for drone professionals.

Salary on the board

£27k – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 4 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority

£k base

Entry

2 jobs

Mid

1 job

Lead

110

130

1 job

Live jobs

16 live roles

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Manager, Autonomy Applications Engineering (R5188)

This role involves leading a team of Forward Deployed Engineers to support customer deployment and operational success with the Hivemind SDK, a core autonomy software platform. The manager will ensure technical excellence in on-site and virtual customer engagements, translating mission objectives into actionable engineering plans while driving product improvements through field feedback. The position requires strong technical leadership, customer collaboration, and cross-functional alignment with engineering and product teams to enhance deployment processes and long-term customer outcomes.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Staff Engineer, Software Autonomy Applications (R4962)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S.,...

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Electro Mechanical Assembler

This role involves assembling high-quality electromechanical products and systems, working from build instructions and engineering documentation. Responsibilities include handling electronic assemblies, fitting components, and applying adhesives, with a focus on quality and production targets. Soldering-focused positions will also handle through-hole soldering and basic PCB assembly.

Syntech Recruitment Woking, Surrey, United Kingdom £27,000 – £32,000 pa

On-site Permanent

Lead Software Engineer

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will architect and build high-performance systems for coordinating drone swarms and processing sensor data. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop real-time communication and data processing tools for robotic platforms, focusing on reliability and efficiency in distributed systems.

Understanding Recruitment London, United Kingdom €110,000 – €130,000 pa

On-site Permanent

UAV / UAS / Drone Pilot - Global

As a UAV / UAS / Drone Pilot, you will travel globally to pilot and operate VTOL drones for various surveillance and interception missions. You will work in a 2-person flight team, conducting pre-flight checks, capturing high-quality data, and ensuring compliance with operational guidelines. The role involves collaborating with in-country partners and providing feedback for process improvements.

SRT Marine Systems PLC London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £80,000 pa

Remote Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Technology Engineer

The Senior Technology Engineer role involves leading the identification, development, and deployment of innovation initiatives in asset management and maintenance. Key responsibilities include translating emerging technologies into practical solutions, driving automation of manual tasks, and ensuring engineering integrity and safety in new technologies.

Aspect Resources Stratford And New Town, London, E15 1XQ, United Kingdom £450 – £470 pd

Hybrid Contract

Senior Technology Engineer

This role involves leading innovation and technology projects focused on reducing manual maintenance, improving operational efficiency, and deploying cutting-edge solutions like AI, automation, and drone technology. You will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and asset management teams to drive safety, efficiency, and sustainability initiatives within a highly regulated environment.

TEC Partners London, United Kingdom £450 – £470 pd

Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Project Engineer

This role involves leading the deployment of drones and advanced camera technology for inspecting rail infrastructure, reducing manual maintenance through automation and remote condition monitoring. You will act as a technical authority, driving innovation projects from concept to deployment and engaging with senior stakeholders.

Gold Group Stratford And New Town, London, E15 1XQ, United Kingdom £450 – £470 pd

Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

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The scene

Hiring in London

London's drone industry is supported by a robust network of companies and institutions. Major tech firms and startups alike are actively hiring for a variety of roles, from drone pilots to software developers. The city's commitment to innovation and technology makes it an attractive location for professionals looking to advance their careers in the drone sector.

The regulatory environment in London is stringent but supportive of responsible drone operations. Companies and professionals must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure public safety and privacy. This regulatory framework helps to foster a reliable and trustworthy drone ecosystem, which is crucial for the industry's growth and development.

FAQs

Common questions

Common roles include drone pilots, software engineers, data analysts, and regulatory specialists. The city's diverse tech ecosystem supports a wide range of specialisations.
While many roles involve office-based work, especially for software development and data analysis, there is also a significant need for on-site operations, particularly for aerial surveying and maintenance.
Key industries include tech startups, large tech firms, construction, urban planning, and security. Research institutions and government agencies also have a strong presence.
London has strict regulations to ensure public safety and privacy. Drone operators must be certified and comply with local and national regulations, which can impact operational procedures.

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