UAS Remote Pilot

Lead the future of powerline inspections from above using cutting-edge drone technology to keep the UK’s transmission network safe, resilient and connected.

We’re looking for 4x passionate UAS Remote Pilot to join our Overhead Lines Aviation Team!

As a UAS Remote Pilot, you’ll use Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, to support safe and effective inspections across our Electricity Transmission overhead line assets. You’ll take a leading role capturing inspection and survey data that supports engineering decisions, delivers asset insight and contributes to a safe, reliable and resilient transmission network.

This role sits within our dedicated UAS capability, working with the latest uncrewed aircraft, sensors and associated technologies to help transform how National Grid inspects and manages its assets. The UAS Remote Pilot will lead stakeholder engagement, operational planning, safe and compliant flight delivery, and processing, record keeping and continuous improvement, working closely with engineering, operational and specialist teams across the business.

This is a national role with hybrid working and regular UK-wide travel to operational sites
, depots and offices depending on work programme and team requirements. The role will involve working outdoors in all seasons, occasional out-of-hours working and supporting priority operational activity at short notice. We’re happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that could help make this role work for you.

• Carry out UAS surveys to capture high-quality imagery, video and survey data across Electricity Transmission assets.
• Plan and support safe flight operations, including pre-flight planning, site checks, risk assessments, land access requirements and coordination with operational teams.
• Deliver UAS activity in line with aviation regulations, National Grid procedures, safety requirements and relevant operating permissions.
• Maintain accurate flight logs, records and operational documentation using company systems.
• Manage and transfer collected data so it can be used effectively by engineering, asset and geospatial teams.
• Work closely with engineers, planners, environmental specialists, operational teams and third-party providers to meet inspection and survey requirements.
• Support equipment preparation, basic maintenance and operational readiness before and after UAS activity.
• Contribute to the trial and evaluation of new UAS technologies, sensors and inspection techniques, including development of Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, data quality and the way in which our UAS capability is delivered across the business.

You don’t need to be an expert remote pilot to apply. We’re looking for people with the right mindset, behaviours and willingness to develop their skills in a fast-paced and safety-critical operational environment.

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Level 4 qualification or equivalent industrial, technical or operational experience.
• A strong focus on safety, compliance and always doing the right thing.
• Attention to detail, an inquisitive attitude and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills and develop as a Remote Pilot.
• Ability to work outdoors and travel across the UK as required.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, operational teams and other stakeholders.
• A proactive, can-do approach with the ability to take ownership of tasks in pressurised and complex operational environments.
• A strong interest in uncrewed aviation, technology, data capture and Electricity Transmission.
• Experience in UAS operations, engineering, fieldwork, inspection, mobile robotics or geospatial data collection would be beneficial.
• An existing CAA A2 CofC, GVC or RPC-L1 qualification would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• A basic understanding of UK UAS regulation is expected, and experience working in a safety-critical or highly regulated environment would be beneficial.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour…