About this role
At Malloy Aeronautics, we're on a mission to revolutionise uncrewed flight. We develop advanced heavy-lift UAVs for both defence and commercial applications.
What sets us apart is our in-house approach. From design and engineering to manufacturing and testing, the majority of our work happens under one roof in Berkshire, allowing us to innovate quickly, maintain exceptional quality, and bring ideas to life faster.
For our teams, that means hands-on involvement, real ownership, and the opportunity to help shape the future of uncrewed aviation.
Role Summary
Acting as a Control Unit Operator (CUO), you will support the preparation and execution of UAV flight operations across both prototype and production platforms. You will be responsible for configuring aircraft systems, charging and managing batteries, preparing ground equipment, and ensuring readiness for safe deployment. You'll monitor aircraft performance in-flight, design autonomous flight profiles, and handle post-flight data logging to support system validation and delivery readiness. Collaborating with flight test engineers and production teams, you'll troubleshoot issues and verify system functionality.
Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK
What you’ll be doing (but not limited to):
Operates UAV command unit interfaces (GCS, telemetry, tracking) and provides live feedback to remotePilots regarding flight operation validating expected performance and identify anomalies.Attend trials and supports demo flights with potential customers on and off site (UK and abroad)Support root cause analysis of test failures or performance issues by correlating flight logs, sensor data, and pilot inputPrepare and configure UAV platforms for flight testing, telemetry, and system calibrationSupport the execution of flight test plans in collaboration with Pilots, engineers, and operations teamsCollect and download flight data using tools such as log viewers, MissionPlanner, QGroundControl or custom scriptsAssist in planning test events, and setting up ground control equipment and test instrumentation, which may involve liaising with engineers and techniciansConduct post-flight reviews, document results, and support the generation of structured flight test reportsContribute to the continuous improvement of test procedures, flight readiness checks, and data validation methodsEnsure all test activities comply with safety standards, operational protocols, and relevant regulatory guidelines Essential Skills and Experiences:
Team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, field-based environmentQuick learner1–4 years in UAV GCS, telemetry, or IT systemsBasic understanding of UAV flight dynamics, subsystems (e.g. propulsion, flight control, telemetry), and test instrumentationHands-on ability to perform field repairs, and basic system troubleshootingStrong technical communication and documentation skills for writing test reports and feedback summariesDetail-oriented and safety-conscious, with a methodical approach to test and flying executionGood organisation skills including adaptive planningVery safety conscious around aircraft and batteries Desired Skills and Experiences
Basic scripting experience (e.g. Python or MATLAB)Ardupilot / mission planner / QGCFamiliarity with flight test planning, test point development, and validation methodologies Benefits you may be eligible for:
Alternate Fridays off with our 9-day fortnightBAE Systems Share Incentive Plan5% employer pension contributionAnnual collective incentive bonus schemeEnhanced family leave with 6 months' full-pay maternity leave and 4 weeks' full-pay paternity leave20 days' annual leave, increasing with service, plus a 3-day Christmas shutdownCompany sick payHealthcare Cash Plan with Virtual GP access, dental and optical support, plus free cover for dependent children up to age 24Mental health and wellbeing support available 24/7Cycle to Work SchemeProud supporter of the Armed Forces through our Bronze Armed Forces Covenant commitment. Malloy Aeronautics employees will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at Malloy Aeronautics are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security