Junior Validation & Test Flight UAV Operator

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

Join us, the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation. We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that provides real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. TEKEVER is setting new standards in intelligence services, data and AI technologies.

Become part of a dynamic team transforming maritime surveillance and making a significant impact on global safety.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to facilitate critical decisions.

If youre passionate about technology and eager to shape the future, TEKEVER is the place for you!

The Junior Validation and Test Flight UAV Operator at West Wales is a new position within the recently created Tekever Defence Business Unit.

Tekever Defence is responsible for the development and delivery of Tekevers capability offering to the Defence market. The Tekever Defence Business Unit is split into six main departments Engineering, Capability, Futures, Operations, Delivery and BD & Commercial.

The West Wales site is an integral part of Tekever Defence Business, as part of the new Defence Engineering division. The divisions core role is to work alongside the wider Tekever enterprise to design and manufacture new and innovative capabilities that address critical needs for NATO Defence markets.

As first and foremost a technology company, Tekever invests its own resources to develop new products for the defence market that are offered on a COTs or MOTs basis. The division is planned to be co-located between West Wales and Bath.

The West Wales site provides Tekever Defence with the capability to customise and modify platforms to meet specific customer requirements and undertake live flight tests and demonstrations within segregated airspace.

The site comprises five primary teams; Composites Production, Integration and Repair, Research and Development; Validation and Test Flight Operations and Support.

As a Junior Validation and Test Flight UAV Operator, you will work with the Validation and Test Flight UAV Operator in the planning and execution of validation, test and demonstration flights at our site in West Wales and ensuring the delivery of airworthy aircraft to our customers and internal operations.

You will have the opportunity to conduct validations and demonstration flights across all of the TEKEVER platforms.

On a daily basis you will be using TEKEVERs highly intuitive Ground Control Station to operate UAVs ranging from 5kg-180kg and making sure that fights are carried out safely. You will gain first-hand experience managing communications with ATC and deconflicting with manned aviation platforms that will be operating in the vicinity.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Leadership

• Contribute toward a positive team environment that encourages open communication, collaboration and professional growth;
• Actively contribute to the development of own skills and take responsibility for maintaining own currency and competency.

- UAV Operations

• Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various missions, ensuring safe and efficient operation in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations and company policies;
• Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure all equipment is in optimal condition before each flight;
• Support the central Tekever Defence Operations team in the delivery of operational, test and demonstration flights as required;
• Participate in active risk management, identifying potential risks to flight operations activities and highlighting these to team leader.

- Mission Planning and Execution

• Develop detailed flight plans based on project requirements, including altitude, flightpaths and data collection strategies;
• Execute missions according to established protocols, ensuring accurate data capture and adherence to timelines;
• Adopt an approach of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for improvements to flight operations activities and highlighting these to senior staff.

- Collection

• Operate various sensors and cameras on UAVs to collect aerial imagery, video and data.

- Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to mitigate risks during UAV operations;
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with all relevant guidelines concerning UAS operations.

- Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on UAVs and related equipment to ensure optimal performance;
• Coordinate repairs or replacements as needed.

- Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of validation and test flights as required in line with regulatory and policy requirements;
• Ensure all aircraft issues are reported on the relevant systems to support effective scheduling of production activities;
• Provide regular reports to the wider Tekever Team on validation and flight test performance including providing feedback to engineering and composite production teams on platform performance.

- Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other teams members to understand project needs and deliver high quality results;
• Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders regarding project progress and data findings.

- Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement within the validation and test flight operations processes and work with senior members to support their implementation;
• Provide feedback on system performance and suggest improvements based on flight experiences.

You will be entrusted and empowered to deliver and will need to be comfortable working in a highly demanding environment. Above all you will need to be an innovative thinker you will have a passion for solving problems and a drive to see your ideas to fruition. You will also be a fast learner and need to quickly develop and champion a comprehensive understanding of Tekevers core technologies and products.

You will have a strong interest in UAV technology. You will have good hand-eye coordination and a willingness to learn. A technical education at degree level will be a benefit but not essential; critical however is your.

Whilst the role will be situated within West Wales, you may also expected to travel to other locations in the UK, Portugal and Europe.

Essential Competencies:

• Possess excellent communication skills with an ability to operate effectively as part of a team;
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to operate complex equipment in accordance with SOPs;
• Safety conscious with ability to operate safely in a diverse and high-pressure environment;
• Highly computer literate;
• Must be able to work remotely within a team with minimal supervision;
• Must have good problem-solving abilities;
• High level of situational awareness.

Preferred qualifications & experience:

• Previous drone flying experience;
• Knowledge of airspace management & current CAA regulations.

If the above excites you then we can offer an attractive salary package and pension scheme. We will give you an annual leave allowance of 25 days plus Bank Holidays and we have an employee assistance programme to support you should you need it.

As an Armed Forces friendly company we will guarantee an interview to all applicants from the Armed Forces community (serving, veterans, and forces family members) as long as the essential criteria of the role is met.

Location: To be part of a world class UAV provider, you will be required to travel around the world.

APPLICATION PROCESS: please apply and include your CV along with a covering letter. We would like to hear why you believe you would be a good fit for this role, along with highlighting any relevant experience and skills for the position. You will be invited for an interview if your CV has been shortlisted for the position.

SECURITY: SC Clearance would be required at a minimum. DV Clearance a nice to have. Tekever will be able to help through the process if required.

Type of Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension;
• Sick pay;
• Wellness programme;
• Pension Contribution.

Supplemental pay types:

• Performance bonus.

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required).

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (required).

Work Location:

• UK, Portugal, US, Europe.

If you are ready to embrace this exciting journey, send us your application! ‍