Remote Test Pilot & Field Engineer

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.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a highly capable and safety‑focused Remote system Test Pilot & Field Engineer to support system trials, system testing, and engineering activities at the Drone Test & Development Centre (DTDC). This dual-role position combines hands‑on remotely operated system piloting with engineering competence to support customers, internal R&D activities, and the daily operational requirements of the test centre.

You will work closely with the Flight Operations Manager and DTDC Manager to ensure high‑quality, compliant, and efficient UAS test activities.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Test & Operations

• Manage day to day customer operations for the Drone Test Development Centre (DTDC).

• Act as Remote Pilot/operator for DTDC and customer operations within the limitations of the associated flight permissions, where authorised.

• Contribute to flight test planning, including mission design, hazard identification and risk assessment.

• Conduct pre‑flight inspections, equipment validation, and flight readiness checks.

• Set up and operate ground control stations, tracking equipment, telemetry links and support infrastructure.

• Assist with setup and teardown of flight test activities.

• Support the Flight Ops Manager with airspace coordination, NOTAM preparation, and documentation.

• Participate during flight tests as an observer, spotter, or ground crew.

• Help maintain operations logs, equipment usage records, and documentation.

• Support the ACE Mission when possible.

Engineering & Technical Support with:

• UAS payload integration

• Mechanical/electrical troubleshooting

• Firmware configuration

• RF, networking and telemetry setup

• Assist customers with test preparation, system setup, and fault diagnosis.

• Assist in preparing platforms for testing, including mechanical adjustments and payload mounting.

• Perform basic diagnostics, cabling, firmware loading, and system configuration.

• Maintain workshop and tooling standards, including inventory and consumables.

Customer & Site Support

• Provide practical help to visiting teams, including onboarding and basic technical guidance.

• Assist with demonstrations, tours, and industry/customer events on-site.

• Test range setup and deconfliction

• Logging operations, incidents and lessons learned

• Equipment maintenance and inventory

• Support business development activities such as demos, site tours and technology showcases.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

Help maintain compliance with CAA and MoD regulations, including:

• UK SORA

• CAP722, CAP722H, CAP3145, CAP3028

• RA2019/947 and RA1600 series

• Operational Safety Cases

• Test plans

• Risk assessments

• SMS records (e.g., via Centrik)

Essential Skills & Experience Required:

• Valid CAA authorisation such as GVC, A2 CofC or equivalent.

• Proven experience as a UAS pilot across multirotor and/or fixed-wing systems.

• Solid understanding of UK UAS regulatory frameworks.

• Strong practical engineering skills — able to diagnose and solve problems in the field.

• Competent in using mission‑planning or GCS tools (Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc.).

• Methodical, safety-oriented, and calm during field operations.

• Strong communication skills and ability to support customers with varying levels of experience.

• Practical hands‑on experience with drones, RC systems, or robotics.

• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a field environment.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable interacting with customers, engineers, and industry partners.

• Ability to follow safety procedures and recognise operational hazards.

• 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.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of UAS regulations and flight operations.

• Familiarity with Ardupilot/PX4 or GCS tools.

• Basic networking or electronics knowledge.

• Experience supporting flight trials, robotics testing, or engineering operations.

• 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.

• BVLOS operations

• Test and evaluation of novel platforms

• Safety management systems (e.g., Centrik)

• First aid or fire marshal training.

• Valid UK Driving Licence

• Experience working in defence or controlled airspace environments (MAA policies)

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.