Flight Operations Manager

The Satellite Applications Catapult is a non-profit research and technology organisation at the heart of the UK space sector. Our mission is to drive economic growth by helping businesses of all sizes unlock the power of satellite-based technologies and data.

Our Drone Test and Development Centre (DTDC) at Westcott supports innovation in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) by providing a secure, flexible, and well-equipped environment for testing and development.

We seek a hands-on, proactive, and safety-conscious Flight Operations Manager to join our team at DTDC. You will work alongside the DTDC manager to support the day-to-day running of our drone test range and help commercial and R&D users safely conduct their operations. As well as support deliverable work in our Autonomous Mission. This is a varied role with exposure to multiple technologies and industries, offering the opportunity to grow into a highly trusted and capable technical specialist in drone testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on specific project deliverables (e.g. Flight Test plans) for our Autonomous projects.

• Act as Subject Matter Expert in ACE Mission when needed.

• Help shape bids for future projects.

• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of UAS test flights and ground operations at the DTDC.

• Support flight operations as a remote pilot or observer, where qualified and appropriate.

• Carry out risk assessments, safety briefings, and test range setup and deconfliction.

• Assist customers in integrating and testing their systems on-site, providing practical support and troubleshooting.

• Monitor compliance with airspace usage, permissions, and site safety protocols.

• Maintain logs of operations, incidents, and equipment use in line with the DTDC SMS.

• Act as a point of contact for users, providing guidance on operational readiness and best practices.

• Collaborate with the Catapult’s engineering, business development, and safety teams to ensure smooth delivery of services.

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert to assist the DTDC Manager with internal and external UAS questions.

• Assist with business development activities (showing potential customers around the DTDC site).

• Line management of Remote Systems Test Pilot & Field Engineer

• Deputy for DTDC Operations Manager when needed

• Deputy Safety Manager

• Oversight and proactive approach to following and implementing SMS

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrable experience as a Flight ops manager

• Experienced at operating UAS platforms (e.g. multirotor, fixed-wing, VTOL).

• Familiarity with UK airspace regulations, flight planning, and operational risk management.

• Strong safety awareness and a methodical, calm approach to fieldwork.

• Practical and adaptable mindset – good with tools, capable of setting up field equipment, troubleshooting systems, etc.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a range of users, from SMEs to large industry players.

• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support events at other sites.

• Familiarity with MAA policies including RA1600

• Familiarity with UK SORA, CAP722, RA2019/947, CAP3028, CAP722L, CAP3145

Desirable Qualifications:

• GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) or equivalent.

• Experience supporting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

• Basic electronics, IT networking, or RF systems knowledge.

• First aid or fire marshal training.

• Familiarity with Ardupilot, drone construction and system architecture.

• Familiarity with safety management systems such as Centrik.

About us & how we work: 

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work.  This helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this: 

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams.  Our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual, providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us. 

This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job.  If you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

We offer a hybrid policy which is designed around collaboration, one 'anchor' day per week working with your direct team and another flexible day per week to be spent collaborating or working with other colleagues. However, this may differ depending on the role.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.

Please note that we offer study support (at our discretion) and on the job training will be provided.