Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Deployed UAV Pilot

Callen Lenz
Salisbury
3 weeks ago
Applications closed

Deployed UAS Operator

Position: Full-time

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Salary: £35,000- £45,000

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in manned and unmanned aircraft operations and technology, and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands; technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values

  • Teamwork
  • Commitment
  • Initiative
  • Creativity
  • Agility
  • Integrity
  • Enjoyment

Why Work for Us

Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the Historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.

Our benefits include:

  • 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
  • Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
  • Pension Scheme via Royal London
  • Company contributed Share Incentive Plan.
  • Green Car Scheme
  • Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
  • Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
  • Private Health Insurance via Vitality
  • Private Dental insurance via Bupa
  • Enhanced Maternity and paternity
  • 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
  • 1 paid volunteering day per year
  • Access to an independent financial advisor year round
  • Training & development opportunities

About the role

We are seeking an experienced UAS Operator to join our Expeditionary Deployed Operations Team. Reporting to the Detachment Leader, this role will be within the delivery service side of the company and will support flying opportunities throughout the company.

As a UAS operator you will be working to provided operational capability which includes flying and maintaining the platforms once deployed. You will need to be able to operate in an expeditionary environment. You must have the ability to make clear and concise decisions independently. Safety is our highest priority with a strong focus on the real-world application of good practice in a wide range of circumstances.

Responsibilities

  • UAS Pilot, ensuring high quality delivery.
  • UAS platform maintenance, ensuring high quality in every aspect.
  • Continuous improvement of operational delivery to achieve to most professional and effective service for the customer.
  • Ensure all flying complies with the company Aviation Operating Framework which enables the safe, compliant and effective accomplishment of delivery.
  • Assisting in the development of operational processes and procedures and preparing documentation for flight ops approval.
  • Represent the company whilst deployed.
  • Reporting to detachment lead.
  • Deployment and foreign travel required.
  • Demonstrate in daily activities a commitment to health and safety in the workplace by always ensuring tasks are performed in the safest possible manner
  • Report all hazards and incidents that the individual is party to, or observes, in the correct manner.
  • When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Qualifications

UAS operating experience and relevant qualifications.

Essential

  • Evidence of successful aviation operations delivery.
  • UAS operating experience and qualifications.
  • Relevant knowledge and experience of aviation regulations.
  • Previous experience in maintaining UAS platforms.
  • Good communication and liaison skills.
  • Can work within a small team.
  • Can maintain accurate written records.

Desirable

  • Experience operating in an expeditionary environment overseas.

Personal Attributes

  • Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK
  • Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK
  • Ability to work in Salisbury, Wiltshire UK
  • Must be able to deploy overseas for a sustained period.

Please click here to read our privacy notice

Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

From Gamer to Gunner: How Your Skills Can Land You a British Army UAV Drone Operator Job

The leap from playing games in your bedroom to operating real drones on the battlefield might sound like something out of a movie—but it’s very real. The British Army’s Royal Artillery is actively recruiting for Gunner – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), a role where your ability to strategise, multitask, and master a joystick could turn into a highly rewarding career. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore why gamers are perfectly placed to transition into UAV jobs, what life is like as a Gunner UAS, the training and career path you can expect, and how to apply. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to university, a structured career with progression, or a chance to take your gaming skills to the next level, this could be the role for you.

The Future of UAV (Drone) Jobs: Careers That Don’t Exist Yet

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, have transformed from military technology into a versatile civilian tool reshaping countless industries. What began as reconnaissance aircraft is now a commercial ecosystem spanning logistics, healthcare, energy, agriculture, construction, media, and defence. In the UK alone, drones are already inspecting power lines, supporting police operations, mapping farmland, and delivering critical medical supplies to remote areas. The numbers are compelling. The UK drone market, valued at US $1.85 billion in 2024, is forecast to grow to US $9 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 15.5%. Globally, UAVs could contribute £45 billion to the UK economy and create 650,000 associated jobs by the mid-2030s. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), over 500,000 drone operators and flyers were registered by early 2023, with thousands more joining annually. But this is just the beginning. As UAVs converge with AI, robotics, advanced materials, satellite navigation, and air traffic management systems, we are approaching a new era. Tomorrow’s UAV ecosystem will rely on autonomous fleets, smart airspace, resilient supply chains, and sustainable operations. That means entirely new jobs are coming—roles that don’t exist today but will soon be indispensable. This article explores: Why UAVs will generate new jobs Future careers likely to emerge in the next decade How today’s jobs will evolve Why the UK is uniquely positioned to lead How to prepare for UAV careers that don’t yet exist

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for UAV Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) sector has established itself as one of Europe's most dynamic and strategically important technology markets, with roles spanning from junior drone operators to principal UAV engineers and heads of autonomous systems development. With UAV positions commanding salaries from £28,000 for graduate drone pilots to £85,000+ for senior UAV systems engineers, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this revolutionary and rapidly expanding field. Unlike traditional aviation roles, UAV hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by seasonal operations, government regulatory frameworks, and autonomous systems development timelines. The sector's unique combination of aeronautical engineering, autonomous control systems, and data analytics creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's unmanned aviation and autonomous aerial systems. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for UAV job applications in the UK, examining how national drone strategies, seasonal operational cycles, and UAV technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a pioneering autonomous systems team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of unmanned aircraft and aerial intelligence systems.