Geospatial Engineering: Lead UAV Pilot

Geospatial Engineering: Lead UAV Pilot Full-time State/Province: Nottinghamshire Business Group: DCS Legal Entity: AECOM Limited Business Line: Transportation Work Location Model: Hybrid Operating Group: International Primary Location: UK - Nottingham Regan Way Company Description 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.

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