Powertrain Development Engineer

Role Scope

Lead the design, development, and integration of propulsion systems for our advanced UAV platforms. Responsible for ensuring that engines, powertrains, and associated subsystems deliver safe, efficient, and reliable performance across all flight conditions. Support the end-to-end introduction of new designs into production and operations.

The role is pivotal to shaping the propulsion architecture and ensuring seamless integration between airframe, power, and control systems.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of propulsion systems, including engine installation, vibration isolation, cooling, exhaust, and power transmission.
• Develop new designs from concept through detail CAD, part and assembly drawings.
• Develop and maintain propulsion system requirements and interface definitions with airframe, fuel, electrical, and control systems.
• Support the development of test plans and participate in ground and flight test activities to verify propulsion system performance.
• Collaborate closely with avionics, airframe, manufacturing, and flight test teams to ensure successful integration and validation.
• Maintain relevant technical, compliance, operational and production facing documentation (maintenance programme, inspection checklists, etc).
• Provide ongoing engineering support of propulsion systems installed on the fleet.
• Conduct or coordinate analytical assessments and simulations (structural, thermal, and vibration) to validate designs.

Qualification, Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent).
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion system or engine integration design, preferably within aerospace, UAV, or high-performance vehicle sectors.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles related to rotating and reciprocating machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and manage complex integration challenges.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience introducing and supporting new systems into production and into operations.
• Experience with internal combustion piston engines is required, experience with hybrid propulsion or alternative powertrains will be considered.
• Background in UAV power system certification or qualification testing (desirable).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and familiarity with PDM systems.
• Experience with FEA and vibration analysis, or CFD/heat transfer simulation (desirable).
• Understanding of propulsion system control and monitoring interfaces (desirable).
• Right to work within the UK.
• Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client).

Personal Qualities

• Proven problem-solving ability with a track record of delivering technical workstreams under pressure.
• Strong communication, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Proactive, organised, and comfortable taking ownership of multidisciplinary engineering activities.
• Passion for aviation, autonomy, and advanced aerospace technologies.
• UAV industry experience and flight-testing exposure highly desirable.
• Willing to work in the defence sector and undergo background/security checks as required.