Test & Development Remote Pilot

Skyports
Aylesbury
2 weeks ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Software Engineer - Remote first, in Ireland after 6 months

Senior Salesforce Engineer

UAS Engineer

a Robotic Field Test Engineer

Senior Test Instrumentation Engineer

Contract Aerodynamics Engineer - Up to £80 p.h

Location:Westcott, Aylesbury – 25%, Remote – 25%, International Travel – 50%

Department:Flight Operations

Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us:

Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and using drone technology to transform business operations across industries.

Our business is split into two key areas:

Skyports Drone Servicesuses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.

Skyports Infrastructureplays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.

The Role

As a Test and Development Pilot, you’ll play a key role in transforming the future of drone services and redefining global logistics. An average month may look like:

  • Travelling to the USA to perform joint test programs with one of our supplier partners
  • Working with our technical teams across our offices to develop new operational procedures and share learnings from operations
  • Operating on novel delivery programs to demonstrate industry leading capabilities to blue-chip customers in markets such as oil and gas

How Can I Be A Part Of The Team?

We’re after experienced UAS operators who live and breathe technology. You won’t just be flying drones; you’ll be part of a team developing solutions that don’t exist anywhere else.

As the industry matures and Skyports operations grow in size and complexity we are onboarding new UAS platforms to meet the needs of our customers. You will be responsible for working directly with our technology team and partners to test new functionality and develop operational procedures to refine the UAS platform an enable .

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with our technology team and UAS provider’s engineers to expand UAS capabilities and enhance the delivery service.
  • Operate advanced UAS platforms and execute test programs to validate system performance.
  • Work with technology and regulatory teams to present evidence of safe and well-planned UAS operations to global aviation regulators.
  • Ensure operational safety through effective risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and adherence to procedures and checklists.
  • Analyse flight data and provide actionable insights for both Skyports and external partners.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical UAS issues, ensuring accurate logging within the Skyports maintenance management system.
  • Design mission profiles, coordinate with air traffic control, and adapt to real-time conditions while ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Lead cross-functional teams on various projects, maintaining alignment on safety and project goals.
  • Stay up to date with UAS technologies and proactively develop your operational expertise.

About you

This role requires a diverse skill set and a passion for technology testing and development. There's no single path or qualification that defines the ideal candidate. Our team members come from various backgrounds, some having transitioned from entirely different industries to UAS operations. If the following describes you, you could be a great fit:

  • You are an proven remote pilot having previously worked with large-format UAS platforms, either military or civilian.
  • You are not afraid to get your hands dirty and have a passion for tinkering with electronics and internal combustion engines.
  • You have a deep understanding of key components of a UAS and are comfortable performing maintenance activities on large platforms in accordance with manufacturer provided instructions .
  • You are used to owning your own work and being held accountable for your tasks.
  • You work well within a team where required and understand the importance of distributing tasks between a team.
  • You understand the need for robust processes within a safety management system and are able to produce high quality documentation to enable that.
  • You’re an excellent communicator who is capable of handling ambiguity and has a proven track record when it comes to dealing with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • You have an eye for identifying the work that needs to get done to reach our goal and are confident operating with a certain degree of autonomy.

Example background:

  • You’re an ex-military UAS operator capable of handling Group 3 UAS or bigger
  • You’ve built and crashed a bunch of your own drones, know your way around an internal combustion engine and love getting your hands dirty
  • You’ve got an aviation related degree and have built and maintained something that relies on an engine before yourself.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
  • A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
  • Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about marketing and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

Tips for Staying Inspired: How UAV Pros Fuel Creativity and Innovation

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have rapidly evolved over the last decade—transitioning from niche gadgets to essential tools in industries like agriculture, construction, inspection, cinematography, security, and disaster relief. Whether you’re designing next-generation UAVs, programming autonomous flight software, or piloting drones for commercial services, staying creative and innovative is central to success in this fast-moving field. Yet, daily challenges—tight regulations, complex flight controls, battery and payload limitations, and client expectations—can strain even the most passionate UAV professionals. How do experts in drone technology keep their spark alive and consistently push boundaries? Below, we explore ten actionable strategies to help UAV pros—from hardware designers and software engineers to pilots and operations managers—maintain inspiration, break through creative barriers, and deliver game-changing solutions. Whether you’re refining a custom drone build, perfecting autonomous flight algorithms, or exploring new aerial service applications, these tips can keep your ideas soaring.

Top 10 UAV (Drone) Career Myths Debunked: Key Facts for Aspiring Professionals

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—often simply called drones—have rapidly grown beyond their military origins to transform industries such as agriculture, construction, delivery, media, public safety, and environmental research. With compact, sensor-rich systems, UAVs can capture real-time data and perform tasks that were once risky, costly, or downright impossible for humans alone. As a result, the global demand for UAV expertise has skyrocketed, creating new job roles and career paths. Yet, despite the popularity and ubiquity of drones in modern life, myths about UAV careers still persist. Some assume that only ex-military pilots can succeed, or that UAVs have limited commercial applications. At UAVJobs.co.uk, we see daily how these misconceptions can deter talented individuals from entering a sector brimming with innovation and opportunity. In this article, we debunk the top 10 myths surrounding UAV careers—revealing the reality of an industry that spans software, hardware, operations, regulatory compliance, and more. Whether you’re a budding drone pilot, an engineer fascinated by cutting-edge technology, or a professional seeking a career pivot, read on to discover how UAVs might be your ticket to a dynamic, future-proof career.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK UAV Job Market to International Landscapes

How to evaluate opportunities, salaries, and work culture in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly referred to as drones, have soared in popularity for applications that range from military reconnaissance and commercial delivery services to environmental monitoring and aerial photography. The rapid technological progress in sensor miniaturisation, battery efficiency, and autonomous navigation has propelled UAVs to the forefront of industries like logistics, agriculture, construction, and public safety. Consequently, demand has grown for professionals skilled in UAV design, manufacturing, software development, operations, and regulatory compliance. In this blog post, we compare the UK’s UAV job market with other major global hubs—including the United States, Europe, and Asia. We will explore what roles are in high demand, typical salary brackets, workplace cultures, and practical insights for those wondering whether to remain in the UK or explore overseas and remote opportunities. Whether you’re a mechanical engineer specialised in drone frame design, a software developer focusing on autonomous navigation, or a technician passionate about UAV maintenance, this guide will help you chart an informed course in an exhilarating sector. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of how the UK’s UAV ecosystem stacks up in a global context—highlighting the benefits and considerations of each region. Let’s dive in.