Drone Jobs

Flarebright · Bicester · £39,000 – £49,000 pa

Contributes across the full development lifecycle, from concept and algorithm design to system integration, testing and troubleshooting of safety-critical navigation and autonomy software in C++. Works with a multidisciplinary team on real-time embedded systems, hardware/software-in-the-loop testing and flight test activities, producing design documentation and test reports.

National Crime Agency · Gillingham · £47,049 pa

Lead drone pilot for the NCA's Technical Operations unmanned vehicle programme, responsible for flight planning and clearances, piloting a range of UAS and USV platforms, and developing innovative technical surveillance capabilities. The role involves training the drone cadre, engaging with the Civil Aviation Authority and suppliers, and acting as subject matter expert on unmanned vehicles.

Leonardo · Edinburgh

Designs, develops and verifies navigation systems and algorithms for airborne, maritime and land platforms, covering sensor fusion, state estimation and PNT solutions for contested environments. Works across the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and modelling to integration, verification and customer support, using MATLAB/Simulink and Kalman filtering techniques within a multidisciplinary, multi-national team.

Callen Lenz · Salisbury · £65,000 – £75,000 pa

Deliver avionics systems engineering across navigation, power, communication, payloads, aircraft management and C2 systems for unmanned air systems, providing technical leadership over design, development and integration. The role involves supervising other engineers, improving internal processes, and supporting airworthiness, safety and certification requirements within a multi-disciplined team.

Windracers · Fareham

Take technical ownership of powerplant and propulsion systems for fixed-wing logistics UAVs, covering architecture, integration, testing, production support and operational reliability. Lead design of engines or motors, propellers, mounts and cooling, manage supplier relationships and define verification and validation test strategies including ground, endurance and flight testing.

Leonardo · Luton

Design and deliver complex FPGA/Firmware for self-protection systems on fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms, covering requirements capture, VHDL/Verilog design, test and integration with PCB designers. Lead and Principal engineers also support and guide several engineers, enhance processes across UK-wide firmware teams, and may travel for technical reviews. Work uses Xilinx, Intel and Microsemi architectures, high-speed interfaces and DO-254-style structured design.

Callen Lenz · Southampton

Lead a small mixed-discipline team building autonomous prototypes for a stealth-mode uncrewed systems venture, owning electronics, software and control systems from concept through build and test. Work directly with the CTO, manage project budgets and requirements, and build in-house prototyping capability and supplier relationships. Requires hands-on integration work and support for off-site trials.

Windracers · Fareham

Develops manufacturing processes, tooling and production methods to take a large fixed-wing UAV platform from design into volume production. Produces work instructions, process specs, assembly drawings and manufacturing BOMs, drives DFM/DFA, and works with Design, Production, Supply Chain and Quality plus external suppliers. Distinct for its hands-on aerospace/UAV focus on scaling medium-volume builds.

QinetiQ · Ashford

Leads the QinetiQ Target Systems UK business, owning operational performance, financial delivery and strategic growth for aerial targets. Develops product strategies and a UK Centre of Excellence for manufacture and assembly, heading a cross-functional matrix team across engineering and operations. Works within the wider Air Leadership Team and interfaces with international sectors to drive global sales.

Leonardo · Luton

Design and develop microwave and RF circuits operating to and beyond 20 GHz for electronic warfare self-protection systems, covering concept, requirements, detailed design, integration and test. Use EM and circuit simulation tools, hands-on RF test equipment and debug, while providing technical leadership and mentoring within an integrated project team.

Callen Lenz · Salisbury · £50,000 pa

Lead and manage the flying training operations, designing, developing and delivering UAS training programmes for pilots, operators and customers. Ensure curriculum compliance with CAA, MAA and EASA standards, run audits and assessments, and manage a team of instructors while supporting safety and risk management.

Callen Lenz · Salisbury · £55,000 – £65,000 pa

Focuses on UAS Deep Effects, identifying and developing new defence opportunities while shaping the company's business development strategy. Involves building campaign plans, a qualified opportunity pipeline, and relationships with Army HQ, Field Army and wider defence networks, plus consultancy across defence programmes. Requires deep UK Defence and NATO UAS/Deep Fires domain expertise and security clearance eligibility.