Drone Jobs in Southampton

Southampton is a hub for maritime and aerospace innovation, making it a prime location for drone technology and operations.

Open roles
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Hiring companies
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Southampton, situated on the south coast of England, is a key centre for maritime and aerospace industries. This strategic location has attracted a range of companies and research institutions that are at the forefront of drone technology and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). From drone piloting and engineering to aerial surveying and counter-drone technology, the city offers a diverse array of opportunities for professionals in the drone sector. Many roles in Southampton involve close collaboration with maritime operations, making it a unique and dynamic environment for drone specialists.

Live jobs

1 live role

Chief Technical Specialist - Power Electronics

This role involves leading technical design and development of power electronics systems for electrified propulsion and e-mobility applications, including DC-DC converters, on-board chargers, and rectifiers. The specialist will guide product development from concept to series production, support customer engagements, lead technical strategy, and represent the company in industry forums. Focus spans across transport sectors such as passenger vehicles, off-highway, marine, and drones, with emphasis on advanced semiconductor technologies like SiC and GaN.

Marcus Webb Associates Limited Hedge End, Hampshire, SO30 4QR, United Kingdom £90,000 – £130,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Roles further afield

A little outside Southampton, but within reach.

Solutions Architect - Autonomous

The Solutions Architect role involves defining and owning the end-to-end autonomy architecture for uncrewed surface vessels, including onboard systems, mission management, and remote operations. You will lead the roadmap delivery, manage dependencies, and ensure system integration and verification, while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Matchtech Fareham, United Kingdom £75,000 – £100,000 pa

Manufacturing Materials Controller

As a Manufacturing Materials Controller, you will manage the creation and maintenance of Manufacturing Bills of Materials (BoMs), control Manufacturing Job Cards, and handle stock and material management for aviation engineering projects. You will work closely with the Production Manager and Project Delivery Teams to ensure compliance with aerospace regulations and support the development of cutting-edge technology.

QinetiQ Amesbury, SP4 7EZ, United Kingdom £41,400 – £46,000 pa
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Stress Engineer

The Stress Engineer will perform structural and vibration analysis on UAV airframes, working closely with the Airframe Lead and Senior Stress Engineer to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the systems. Responsibilities include FEA simulations, stress reporting, and collaborating with design and testing teams.

Windracers Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
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Autopilot Software Engineer

This role involves developing safety-critical flight control software, participating in requirements capture, and supporting the testing ecosystem from unit testing to flight testing. The engineer will also maintain and fly autopilot model aircraft and assist with issue identification and debugging.

Windracers Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
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CAD Technician

The CAD Technician will work within the Engineering team to create and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials for a large fixed-wing UAV platform. You'll collaborate closely with Design, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineers to ensure design integrity and compliance with company standards.

Windracers Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
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Electronics CAD Technician

The role involves creating and maintaining electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and cable harness documentation using SolidWorks Electrical. The technician will work closely with engineers to produce accurate and controlled documentation for manufacturing, testing, and supporting reliable electrical assemblies.

Windracers Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
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UAV/ Senior UAV Technician

This role involves hands-on assembly, systems installation, and testing of UAV airframes and components as part of a production line. The technician will work with engineering drawings, support flight operations, and maintain build documentation. Emphasis is placed on safety, process feedback, and cross-functional support during aircraft commissioning and testing.

Windracers Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Aircraft Electricians / Avionics

Assemble, install, test, and repair electronic and avionics systems in unmanned aircraft and associated ground equipment. Work within a multidisciplinary team to integrate systems, conduct diagnostics, and ensure compliance through precise technical work and documentation. Utilise test equipment, interpret schematics, and support pre-delivery preparation of UAS platforms.

MPI Limited Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom £28 ph
On-site Contract Clearance Required
The scene

Hiring in Southampton

Southampton's strong maritime and aerospace presence has created a fertile ground for drone technology. Companies in these sectors often require drone specialists to enhance their operations, whether it's for environmental monitoring, surveying, or security. The city's proximity to the sea and its advanced research facilities make it an ideal location for professionals looking to specialise in maritime drone applications.

The local job market is diverse, with opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to senior roles. Many companies offer hybrid work models, allowing professionals to balance on-site fieldwork with remote data analysis and project management. This flexibility, combined with the city's vibrant tech community, makes Southampton an attractive location for drone professionals.

FAQs

Common questions

  • Common roles include drone pilots, engineers, data analysts, and UAS operators, often with a focus on maritime applications.

  • Many roles involve a mix of on-site and remote work, particularly for field operations and data analysis.

  • The maritime, aerospace, and environmental sectors are major employers of drone professionals in Southampton.

  • For detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page, which is updated regularly with live job listings.

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