Vacancy Reference: CLA- 419
Position: Full-time
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Salary: Competitive DOE
At Callen‑Lenz, we push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the historic city of Salisbury, we specialise in both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and advanced aviation technology. With recent investment accelerating our growth, we are expanding rapidly and building a team to support this next phase of development. Through our four core business areas — technical services, products, platforms and operational services — we deliver innovative, customer‑focused UAS solutions. We’re looking for driven individuals to help shape our future and place themselves at the forefront of UAS development in the UK.
Our Values
Innovation – Pioneering for the future
Integrity – Doing the right thing
Collaboration – Going further together
Excellence – Raising the bar
Our Benefits:
25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
Pension Scheme via Royal London
Company contributed Share Incentive Plan
Green Car Scheme
Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
Private Health Insurance via Bupa
Private Dental insurance via Bupa
Enhanced Maternity and paternity
1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
1 paid volunteering day per year
Access to an independent financial advisor year round
Training & development opportunities
The Role
As an Uncrewed Aircraft Pilot, you will be at the forefront of flight test and development activity, helping our clients achieve mission success. We offer planning, commissioning and execution of operational services in challenging environments globally and this role would see you at the very heart of it!
Reporting directly to the Flight Operations Manager, you will be conducting both manual and automated operations on cutting‑edge prototype and customer uncrewed air systems, whilst maintaining the highest safety standards in full alignment with the company Operating System.
Your Responsibilities
Act as Pilot in Command for both company and customer uncrewed air systems, in accordance with regulatory and company procedures.
Plan, execute and deliver test and development flight programmes, flying defined test points aligned to approved test plans and objectives.
Capture, analyse and report flight data, providing accurate logs, real‑time performance feedback during test activity, and clear post‑flight reporting to support ongoing development and decision‑making.
Become proficient in the company’s software platforms and electronic systems, using them to support operational flying, testing and development activities.
Working with software engineers, conduct autopilot integration, tuning and configuration.
Support aircraft build and modification activities, including limited hands‑on construction and providing informed design input during development.
Safely operate workshop tools and equipment to build, modify and maintain developmental uncrewed aircraft, in accordance with the company Operating System.
Perform other related duties as required.
Health & Safety
Demonstrate a proactive commitment to workplace health and safety throughout daily activities.
Report hazards and incidents in line with company procedures.
Engage in health and safety training when required.
Qualifications:
Essential:
Desirable:
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Possesses excellent RC manual flying skills on both fixed wing and VTOL / Hybrid systems.
A good understanding of UAS operating systems, radio control systems and autopilot control technologies together with experience in construction and maintenance of model aircraft or unmanned aircraft.
A good understanding of UAS legislation as applied in the UK.
Proficient in the use of IT systems, with an understanding of evolving technologies.
A high level of accuracy in record management.
Desirable:
Previous UAS operating experience.
Knowledge of wider CAA regulations concerning UK manned aviation.
Experience flying jet RC aircraft.
End UAS user experience/perspective.
Personal Attributes
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Good communication, written and oral.
Ability to operate within an Aviation Safety Culture.
Strives for continuous improvement.
Must be a British Citizen or must have an existing right to work in the UK.
Ability to commit to occasional national and international travel.
A full valid UK driving license.
Ability to hold security clearance.
Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems 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 vetting checks.
