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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Have

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 are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

What You'll Get

A Salary of up to £45,865 dependant on experience.

As well as your base salary you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

Further Information

The closing date for this vacancy is Midnight 11 August 26, with interviews due to take place w/c 17 August 26 onwards. We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

About us

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating, and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

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