Expression of Interest - MQ-9B Sensor Operator Instructor

THE COMPANY

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a highly innovative and rapidly growing defence and technology company that design, develop, and deliver some of the world’s most advanced defence related training, products, and services.

We were recently crowned Employer of the Year at the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2023. We have been listed as one of the ‘100 Best Large Companies to Work For’ in the UK and Midlands by Best Companies several times as well as achieving ‘Best Companies 3 Star Accreditation’ and a rating of ‘world-class’ for our employee engagement on a number of occasions. We are also proud to have been honoured with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation, for our next-generation GECO military mission planning system.

As part of a unique and specialist defence company, our friendly team consists of experienced and highly capable individuals, working together with a mature ‘can do’ work ethic. Our central business functions are located in an easily accessible, bright and modern head office to the west of Lincoln, alongside our mission systems team, while the majority of our operational specialists are embedded alongside our Defence customers.

THE ROLE

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking experienced Sensor Operators / Weapons Systems Officers (or equivalent) to become MQ-9B (UK Protector RG1) Instructor Sensor Operators based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire.

There is expected to be a significant increase in contractor flight crews over the next five years.

We welcome applications from suitable candidates available to commence roles in 2026. The contract is expected to start mid to late 2026 (subject to change).

THE PERSON

We are interested in applicants with the following qualifications:

• 250 hours military flying as a Sensor Operator or Weapons Systems Officer (or equivalent) (uncrewed & crewed).
• Instructor qualification.
• Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS operations: MQ-1, MQ-9A, MQ-9B or similar.

Conversion training will be provided (if necessary) and once qualified on type, the successful candidates will deliver instruction on the MQ-9B at RAF Waddington, teaching crews how to fly and operate the aircraft.

The core working week is Monday to Friday (40 hours per week), with personnel adhering to the UK Working Time Directive. Some shift work is expected to maintain operational effectiveness. The position offers exciting deployment possibilities throughout Europe, supporting NATO alliance partners' MQ-9B training initiatives.

Employment will be dependent on passing a CAA/FAA Class 1 Medical or equivalent European Aviation Safety Authority medical.

A relocation package will be provided to assist non-UK individuals to move to the UK.

Expressions of Interest should clearly state relevant experience including:

• Total flying hours (crewed & uncrewed including by aircraft types).
• MALE RPAS flying hours.
• Date of last recorded flight.
• Full details of instructional qualifications and teaching experience.
• Your availability.
• Do you hold (or have you done so in the past) a NATO security clearance?

BENEFITS

• 30 days paid holiday plus 8 days bank holidays per year.
• Uncapped paid leave scheme (upon successful completion of probation period).
• Company provided private medical and dental insurance.
• [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Share Incentive Scheme.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Annual profit and performance related pay scheme.
• Death in service (x4 salary).
• Company contributions into a group personal pension scheme.
• Business travel insurance.
• Tax efficient cycle to work and charitable giving schemes.
• Tax efficient electric vehicle company car scheme.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for current and prospective employees. We recognise that a diverse, talented and highly motivated workforce is pivotal to our continuing success, therefore our selection decisions are based on the merit of the individual, irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic.

We genuinely recognise the benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, a supportive signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Gold award winner within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We are therefore delighted to offer a guaranteed interview scheme to service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners (including those of service leavers) who meet all our advertised requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have the required background and are interested in joining a high-performing team, supporting the delivery of exceptional award-winning products and services to our customers, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please click apply and follow the instructions to upload your CV.

Please note that we are part of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] group and you will be taken to the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] careers website in order to complete your application.