Validations & 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 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 Validation and Test Flight UAV Operator, you will be responsible for 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 work with the Head of Validation and Test Flight Operations in optimising workflows and addressing any operational issues to achieve departmental goals in line with relevant safety regulations and company policies.

It will be your responsibility to conduct all validations 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

• Actively contribute to the enhancement of individual and team skills, identifying areas for self-improvement and training;
• Contribute toward a positive team environment that encourages open communication, collaboration and professional growth;
• To maintain own currency and competency;
• Undertake additional duties as required by the business.

- Validation and Test Flight Operations

• Plan and conduct validation, test and demonstration flights;
• 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 the Head of Validation and Test Flight Operations;
• Ensure the safe conduct of flight operations when operating in any role (IP / RPIC / Snr P / LO).

- 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.

- Data Collection and Analysis

• 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;
• Ensure the aircraft leaves for the final costumer to a high standard, and any issues are annotated.

- 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;
• Collaborate with team members to schedule and deliver flight operations in line with targets and deadlines.

- Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the validation and test flight operations processes, utilising metrics and feedback to enhance team performance;
• Collaborate with engineering and integration and repair teams to provide feedback on system performance and suggest improvements based on flight experiences.

This is a wide-reaching role with a high degree of autonomy and authority. 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 proven track record in planning and executing flight operations. You will have a strong understanding of UAV validation and testing processes, team management and will foster a people centric approach that balances agility and systematic rigour. A technical education at degree level will be a benefit but not essential; critical however is your ability to quickly build a strong team with a powerful ethos.

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:

• A strong, proven background with experience in UAS operation;
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team toward achieving targets;
• Aviation knowledge including Ground School and live flying on any type of aircraft;
• Understanding of MET and Airspace;
• A1 and A3 certificates;
• Good level of Maths & Physics;
• High level of situational awareness;
• High standards for quality control and a meticulous approach to ensuring processes are followed;
• Strong understanding of all relevant regulations;
• Clear and concise communication skills for liaising with team members, management, and other departments and proven experience of cultivating a great work environment.

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! ‍