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Job Description: Flight Operations Manager & Lead PilotCompany: ISS AerospaceLocation: Chieveley, Newbury, UKEmployment Type: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per weekAnnual Leave: 28 days holiday per annum What We Do at ISS Aerospace:ISS Aerospace designs, manufactures, builds, and delivers Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for a wide range of international clients, including large defence, security, and energy primes. We supply both off-the-shelf UAVs and conduct research and development to meet specific innovative needs of our clients. Our systems collect meaningful information and process it to deliver actionable intelligence or operate as autonomous or semi-autonomous effectors under challenging conditions. We take pride in working closely with our clients to provide an end-to-end service from specification to operational service. Job Overview:ISS Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and dynamic Flight Operations Manager who will also serve as the Lead Pilot for the company. This critical role involves piloting and managing a variety of multi-rotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) up to 600 kg, as well as fixed-wing (FW) platforms. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient flight operations, alongside operational management and regulatory oversight. Key Responsibilities:Act as the Lead Pilot, proficiently operating various multi-rotor systems up to 600 kg and fixed-wing aircraft.Manage all aspects of flight operations, including planning, testing, flight trials, and live demonstrations.Serve as the Accountable Manager, maintaining full responsibility for flight safety and regulatory compliance within ISS Aerospace.Ensure compliance with all relevant UK flight regulations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes.Secure and maintain flight approvals, liaise with relevant aviation authorities, and manage aviation insurance coverage ensuring it is consistently current.Oversee daily operational activities, ensuring smooth workflow and effective resource management.Conduct regular flight testing and evaluations, including providing detailed reports and feedback for continuous improvement.Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to align operational procedures with technical capabilities. Essential Qualifications and Skills:Minimum 200 hours of logged commercial flight time.General VLOS Certificate (GVC).Proficiency with Ardupilot and QGroundControl software.Strong knowledge of UK aviation and UAS-specific regulations.Excellent organizational, planning, and management skills.Positive attitude and ability to adapt quickly within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.Willingness to travel as necessary for operations and demonstrations.Full, clean UK driving license. Preferred Skills (Non-essential):Capability to author and submit Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) applications.Experience in tuning Ardupilot parameters and troubleshooting.Basic understanding of UAS engineering, maintenance, and hands-on experience working with aircraft systems.  Travel Requirements:The role involves occasional international travel to meet the needs of our diverse customer base and global projects. Candidates must hold a valid passport and be prepared to travel within the UK frequently to support trials, demonstrations, and customer engagements. Security Requirements:Applicants must be able to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment or education history for up to three years. Certain projects will require the successful candidate to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance, which involves additional vetting and evidence submission. Why Join ISS Aerospace?You will be part of an innovative and dynamic team committed to pioneering developments in the UAS industry. At ISS Aerospace, your contributions directly influence the future of aerospace technologies. We offer an environment that fosters professional growth, innovation, and collaboration.ISS Aerospace is an established UK manufacturer with a strong background and history in the market. The company is now evolving and scaling its operations to meet increased demand. Working for ISS, you will be at the cutting edge of UAS development and will be working for some of the most prestigious clients nationally and internationally. We have a strong team ethos, and whilst currently the staff count is small, it means joining the team now can lead to significant opportunities to have a voice. We enjoy a unique working environment, which means no two days are the same. Every day offers a challenge, and we work together to overcome these. Knowledge sharing and training are key; we believe there is always something to learn or improve, and we actively encourage continuous professional development of our employees.ISS Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.