Drone Hub Operator

Job Title: Drone Hub Operator

Team: Skyports Hub Operator Programme

Rate: £13/hour

Hours: Variable, based on deployments

Travel: Paid when travel is part of a deployment (e.g. ferry to a working site)

Food/Drink: Up to £20/day reimbursed during deployments (receipts required)

Location: UK-based with domestic and international travel expected for 1-8 weeks at a time

Skyports is recruiting Hub Operators (HOs) under our Skyports Hub Operator Programme (SHOP). This role supports drone flight operations by ensuring the aircraft, launch sites, and ground processes run smoothly and safely. You’ll be working closely with Remote Pilots and other team members to deliver drone services across delivery, inspection, and surveillance missions. This is flexible, project-based work. You choose which deployments you want to support. Project length can range from 1 week to 8+ weeks. We expect you to take part in at least 2–3 projects each year, but you’re welcome to do more. With operations running around the world, there are always opportunities to get involved and support our ground teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Set up and secure drone landing and take-off points (TOLPs)
• Carry out basic aircraft maintenance (Level 1) and battery management
• Assist with launch, monitoring, and recovery of flights
• Maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft when required
• Watch out for environmental or safety hazards and report them
• Ensure proper logbook and maintenance record-keeping
• Support the team with kit handling and refueling
• Keep your ground procedures and documentation knowledge up to date
• Complete refresher training as needed before deployments

You may be required to travel domestically or internationally for deployments. Full training will be provided before you begin.

About you

We’re looking for people who are:

• Safety conscious, with a calm and focused approach
• Comfortable working outdoors and in varied environments
• Happy to travel and be away from home on deployments
• Practical and hands-on with kit and tools
• Good communicators and team players
• Reliable, punctual, and detail-focused
• Physically able to manage drone and battery handling tasks

You do not need a drone license. This is a ground-based role, and full training is provided. You must be based in the UK.

Interview Process

1. Apply for the Role
   Submit your application through a link.
2. Video Introduction
   You’ll be asked to record a short 60-second video introducing yourself and explaining why you want to join the programme.
3. Training Day Invitation
   If selected, you’ll be invited to attend an in-person training day where we assess your practical skills and team fit.
4. Offer
   If you pass the training day, you’ll be offered a role as a Hub Operator.