Hi Andy
33 is not old Mate, hang in there and you will get to your flying job. In the US as an example, it seems that bush work and slinging companies like engineer/pilot. For one it saves a bit of money, and 2 you do not have to convince 2 employees that remote work is good.
However your experience is on Puma/SuperP, so not so many in remote work.
I would say your best chance is to try Canada, do your CPL there, then hopefully something will come your way for your particular experience.
But really, you would make more money and live in far better conditions if you remained in your engineering profession.
It is a fact that qualified engineers can dictate their salaries...
Anyway good luck
Cheers
WLM