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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.

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18
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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.

Live jobs

18 live roles

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Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R5370)

This role involves leading the planning and delivery of complex software releases for the Hivemind Enterprise SDK, with a focus on test automation and flight test operations. The Senior Technical Program Manager will coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery while driving improvements in testing and release processes. Work spans simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and live flight testing environments within a defense-tech context.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Simulation Specialist (R5373)

This role involves driving international sales growth for Shield AI's Aechelon simulation portfolio by supporting regional teams, engaging with defense and government customers, and advancing opportunities through solution selling and cross-functional collaboration. The specialist will position simulation capabilities in mission-critical training and readiness contexts, contribute to bids and customer engagements, and ensure alignment across global teams. It is a strategic, customer-facing position focused on scaling simulation adoption in international markets.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Business Development & Sales Lead - UK

Lead business development and sales efforts for V-BAT ISR unmanned aircraft and Hivemind autonomy solutions within UK defence and government sectors, focusing on urgent operational requirements and non-standard procurement pathways. Build trusted relationships with special operations communities and programme offices, shaping capability needs and driving complex sales from identification to close. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with mission-critical customer demands in high-tempo environments.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Object Detection and Tracking Engineer

This role involves developing real-time object detection, tracking, and sensor fusion algorithms for autonomous aircraft operating in complex, GPS-denied environments. The engineer will design perception systems using EO/IR, radar, and IMU data, integrate them with onboard hardware, and validate performance in simulation and field testing. Collaboration with autonomy, systems, and hardware teams ensures robust situational awareness for unmanned platforms.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Autonomy Integration Engineer

This role involves integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, preparing them for flight, and supporting live test operations in lab and field environments. The engineer will troubleshoot complex hardware-software interactions, manage flight data analysis, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable deployment of intelligent systems. Emphasis is placed on hands-on problem-solving, system validation, and improving integration processes across the development lifecycle.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Systems Test Engineer

Leads simulation-driven testing and automation for Hivemind autonomy software, developing test frameworks and tools to validate performance in simulated and real-world environments. Works across SIL, HIL, and VIL test setups, building Python-based tooling for data processing and test execution. Collaborates with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure software reliability and traceability in mission-critical defense applications.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Staff Engineer, Autonomy and Motion Planning (R5263)

Develop and architect tactical autonomy software for unmanned systems operating across air, land, sea, and space domains. Focus on implementing multi-agent coordination, mission behaviors, and survivability in contested environments, with full lifecycle ownership from design to deployment. Collaborate with engineering, operations, and vehicle integration teams to deliver scalable, high-assurance autonomy solutions.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Manager, Autonomy Applications Engineering (R5188)

Leads a team of Forward Deployed Engineers to support customer deployment and operational success of Hivemind autonomy software. Manages technical customer engagements, troubleshoots complex integrations, and ensures field feedback informs product development. Works across engineering, product, and customer teams to improve deployment processes and long-term customer outcomes.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent 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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