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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.

Open roles
28
Hiring companies
5
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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

28 live roles

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Staff Field Solutions Engineer (5774)

This role involves serving as a technical expert for Hivemind, Shield AI’s autonomy solution, supporting defense and security customers across Europe, the UK, NATO, and Africa. The engineer will translate mission needs into solution concepts, lead technical engagements, and support sales through demonstrations, proposals, and customer briefings. The position requires deep technical knowledge of autonomy and AI systems, strong communication skills, and experience in international defense or aerospace markets.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Systems Engineer - Autonomy & Software

This role involves applying systems engineering to the development and integration of advanced autonomous systems for defense applications. The engineer will translate mission requirements into technical specifications, define system architectures and interfaces, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of autonomy, software, and vehicle systems. They will also develop software tools and prototypes in C++ and Python to support testing, analysis, and system validation across simulation and live environments.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Senior DevSecOps Engineer

Design and operate secure CI/CD pipelines and development environments for autonomous defence systems, integrating security controls across cloud, on-premises, and operational platforms. Work across engineering teams to enable rapid, assured software delivery in classified environments. Focus on Secure by Design principles, automation, and compliance with UK MOD and NATO standards.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Staff Engineer, Perception (R5611)

Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned aircraft systems, supporting real-world flight testing and operational deployments in dynamic field environments. Work across software, hardware, and flight operations to troubleshoot and enhance autonomous capabilities using C++, Python, and simulation tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to rapidly iterate and validate new features in live and simulated environments.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Staff Engineer, Digital Infrastructure (R5602)

This role involves deploying, integrating, and maintaining a software factory for autonomy solutions within isolated and specialized environments. The engineer will work closely with autonomy teams to ensure reliable operation of AI training systems, manage configuration across secure environments, and develop automation tooling. The position emphasizes Kubernetes, distributed systems, and support for C++ or Python-based applications in Linux environments.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Staff Engineer, Test Integration, Modelling and Simulation (R5601)

Lead the design and development of high-performance C++ software for complex simulation and integration systems. Architect scalable solutions for real-time processing and systems-of-systems, integrating third-party software and hardware into unified platforms. Drive technical standards, mentor engineers, and implement modern practices like CI/CD and test-driven development in a collaborative, agile environment.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Chief Engineer, Weapons

Leads technical strategy and system architecture for integrating advanced autonomy solutions into unmanned weapon systems, with a focus on Hivemind Autonomy. Directs engineering teams in developing high-reliability, certifiable software for defense and B2B applications. Responsible for end-to-end technical oversight across R&D and government contracts, including requirements definition, risk mitigation, and product quality assurance.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom

Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Software Integration & Test (R5539)

This role involves developing, integrating, and testing autonomy software on unmanned aircraft systems in live field environments, with a focus on real-world flight operations and rapid iteration. The engineer will work hands-on across software, hardware, and flight systems to deploy and troubleshoot autonomous capabilities in dynamic operational settings, primarily in Ukraine. Responsibilities include building production software, supporting simulation and flight testing, and maintaining system readiness for mission-critical deployments.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
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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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