Geospatial Engineering: Lead UAV Pilot

Description

This role leads safe planning, coordination and execution of UAV survey work that supports the company's geospatial, surveying and digital delivery services.

You will give technical direction on drone-based data capture so that engineering, infrastructure and environmental projects receive reliable, high-quality spatial datasets.

The company works across many sectors and settings. You will run UK UAV flights, help shape new survey methods, and coordinate with the UAV accountable manager, clients, project managers and multidisciplinary teams.

You will stay hands-on in the field and serve as the go-to expert on UAV deployment, survey planning, data acquisition and ongoing improvement of working practices.

The company is an infrastructure consultancy active in transport, buildings, water, new energy and the environment. It is a Fortune 500 firm with Professional Services revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025 and more than 50,000 staff worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead UAV surveys across different project types and operating environments.
• Before each deployment, review the site, operating constraints and survey aims.
• Fly UAVs to capture high-resolution spatial data that meets project specifications.
• Keep safety, professional conduct and technical quality at a high standard on every field job.
• Help refine UAV operating procedures and data capture methods.
• Lead aerial data collection using UAVs, GNSS equipment and other survey tools.
• Lead or oversee related ground-based surveys, including laser scanning and positioning work.
• Check that acquired data is accurate, complete and covers the required area.
• Apply sound surveying principles in the field and give specialist input on complex projects.
• Work with project teams to choose the right capture technique for each client need.
• Help process and validate UAV outputs such as photogrammetry models, point clouds and spatial datasets.
• Help build accurate digital models of real-world assets and environments.
• Give technical guidance on UAV surveying and airborne data capture.
• Promote good practice in UAV operations, survey method and data quality.
• Share knowledge and lessons learned with the wider geospatial and digital delivery teams.
• Support colleagues' growth through mentoring, coaching and joint technical work.
• Follow documented UK processing workflows and QA/QC procedures.
• Work to UK and client standards such as CAA, Network Rail and RICS requirements.
• Spot errors, inconsistencies and data gaps, and raise them quickly.

Requirements

• Proven experience running UAV operations for surveying, mapping and spatial data capture.
• UK CAA Remote Pilot Competency (GVC or a recognised equivalent).
• Experience planning and carrying out drone surveys in varied environments.
• A solid grasp of spatial data acquisition and survey methodology.
• Experience producing and interpreting photogrammetry outputs, point clouds and related survey deliverables.
• Working knowledge of CAD environments.
• Ability to assess project requirements and select suitable survey methods.
• The company values different contributions and perspectives. Candidates who meet some of the criteria, or who bring transferable skills, are welcome to apply.

Conditions

The role is based in the UK and includes UK UAV flight operations.

Hybrid working is available, from a company office, a remote location or a client site.

Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at a company office as a condition of employment.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident scheme.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and handles applicant information confidentially under EEO guidelines.

The company has a commitment to a secure, trustworthy recruitment process and treats fraudulent hiring seriously.

Benefits

• Access to a broad range of pay, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Flexible working and the chance to grow within a global, publicly traded firm.