Geospatial Engineering: Lead UAV Pilot

The Lead UAV Pilot is responsible for the safe planning, coordination and execution of UAV survey operations in support of the geospatial, surveying and digital delivery services. The role provides technical leadership for drone-based data capture activities, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality spatial datasets to support engineering, infrastructure, and environmental applications. Working across a diverse range of sectors and environments, the Lead UAV Pilot will oversee UK UAV flight operations, support the development of innovative survey methodologies, and work collaboratively with the UAV accountable manager, clients, project managers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver efficient and reliable survey solutions. In addition to maintaining technical excellence in field operations, the role acts as a key point of expertise for UAV deployment, survey planning, data acquisition and continuous improvement of operational practices. Here’s what you’ll do: UAV Flight Operations Lead the planning and execution of UAV survey operations across a variety of project types and operational environments. Undertake pre-deployment planning activities, including review of site requirements, operational constraints and survey objectives. Conduct UAV flights to capture high-resolution spatial data in accordance with project specifications and operational requirements. Maintain high standards of operational safety, professionalism and technical quality during all field activities. Support continuous improvement of UAV operational practices and data capture techniques. Survey & Spatial Data Capture Lead the collection of aerial survey datasets using UAV platforms, GNSS-enabled equipment and complementary survey technologies. Undertake and oversee associated terrestrial survey activities where required, including laser scanning and positioning activities. Verify that survey data acquisition meets project requirements for accuracy, coverage and completeness. Apply sound surveying principles throughout field operations and contribute specialist technical input to complex projects. Work with project teams to determine the most appropriate data capture techniques for client requirements. Data Processing & Digital Delivery Support the processing and validation of UAV survey outputs, including photogrammetry models, point clouds and spatial datasets. Contribute to the development and delivery of accurate digital representations of real-world assets and environments. Technical Leadership Provide technical guidance for UAV surveying and airborne data capture activities. Promote best practice in UAV operations, survey methodology and data quality management. Share knowledge and lessons learned across the wider geospatial and digital delivery teams. Support the development of team capability through mentoring, coaching and technical collaboration. Quality Assurance & Standards Follow documented UK processing workflows and QA/QC procedures Provide compliance with UK and client standards (e.g. CAA, Network Rail, RICS etc) Identify errors, inconsistencies, or data gaps and escalate issues promptly Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Here’s what we’re looking for: Demonstrable experience in UAV operations for surveying, mapping and spatial data capture applications. UK CAA Remote Pilot Competency (GVC or recognised equivalent) Experience planning and delivering drone-based surveys in varied operational environments. Strong understanding of spatial data acquisition principles and survey methodologies. Experience in the production and interpretation of photogrammetry outputs, point clouds and related survey deliverables. Working knowledge of CAD environments. Ability to assess project requirements and determine appropriate survey methodologies. We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives. If you meet some of the requirements above or have transferable skills you believe would benefit us, we would be delighted to hear from you! At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. About AECOM AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at and @AECOM. Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients. AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too. Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long-term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.