Field Operations Manager/UAV Flight Tester vacancy in Guildford (071jc)

My client who is a “best in class” engineering company specialising in UAV aircraft, systems and software for public sector services, private security and defence are now seeing a Field Operations Manager/Flight Tester to join this rapidly growing UK based company.

You will be part of the senior management team and reporting to the MD your role will be a pivotal role within the company as you will play a key part within the companies current and future operations, planning and growth.

Your role will be a multi-faceted within the company and you will have several different responsibilities which will include:
• Logistics Operations, making sure equipment and personnel are available and in place to run demo’s both in the UK and overseas, which will include organising shipments, clearance certificates etc when going overseas as well as dealing with no-fly zones etc.
• Attending demo’s and demonstrating the equipment to end users, dealing with questions and queries from the clients and understanding what their needs are and offering solutions as well as feeding back to the engineering teams to perhaps adapt and modify the offering.
• Dealing with bids and tenders, making sure that the companies offerings are fulling mapped out and are compliant with what the request, again liaising with the engineers to fully understand the technical aspects and making sure that the documents are well presented and formatted.
• Testing of equipment, to make sure that it is functional and meets both the end pilots and clients needs, as well as making sure that the operational documents, service schedules etc are fully compliant and up to date.

To be eligible for this role you will need the following:
• Relevant flying experience, preferably with a valid pilot’s licence. Instructor and instrument ratings would be advantageous. Comparable military qualifications are equally welcome.
• A good understanding of the technical, operational, and environmental factors affecting UAVs.
• Operating experience with small and medium sized drones, preferably including beyond line-of-sight flying.
• Able to offer support for other technical, operational or management skills across the programme
• Excellent IT skills.
• Logistics and operations skills.
• 2 years + Business Experience after the military would also be highly advantageous
• Willing to travel both across the UK and overseas to show the companies equipment and capabilities.

The ideal candidate would fall into one of the following types, a recent military leaver who has operational experience of flying and maintaining small to medium sized UAV’s, preferably rotary than fixed wing, probably at SNCO/Officer level, or someone who has left the military over 2-3 years ago, who has been operating in this sector and is looking to join a dynamic and growing organisation.

In return they are offering an excellent base salary depending on experience and knowledge as well as a negotiable benefits package which is designed to attract the best individuals in the sector.