Drone Jobs

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior

Bridges systems engineering, software and autonomy to deliver advanced autonomous systems for defense. Translates mission needs into requirements, architectures and interface definitions, while developing and debugging C++ and Python prototypes and test infrastructure. Works across autonomy, GNC, avionics and test teams through simulation, HIL and flight test.

Hivemind Autonomy

• London
• Hybrid
• Senior

Design and implement real-time perception algorithms for object detection, classification and multi-target tracking, fusing EO/IR cameras, radar and IMU data. Build state estimation and localization pipelines, interpret sensor ICDs, and validate performance in simulation and flight test. Works closely with autonomy and hardware teams on SWaP-constrained airborne platforms.

PyTorch · TensorFlow · IMU +3

• London
• Senior

Owns the development and maturation of security features across AI systems, command and control platforms, aerospace vehicles and sensors. Conducts architecture reviews, source code analysis, configuration auditing and adversarial testing, and builds tooling while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing and operations teams to embed resilience.

Linux · Lattice OS · TEMPEST +7

• London
• Senior

Owns the development and maturation of security features across AI systems, command and control platforms, aerospace vehicles and sensors. Conducts architecture reviews, source code analysis, configuration auditing and adversarial testing, and builds tooling while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing and operations teams to harden products.

Linux · TEMPEST · Inter-Domain Gateways +3

• Oakley
• Senior

Technical owner of new UAV concepts, turning customer requirements and CONOPS into sized, analysed and flight-tested air vehicles while running several concept studies in parallel. Leads conceptual sizing and trade studies across aerodynamics, weights, propulsion, mission and stability, and uses bench, wind-tunnel and flight-test data to calibrate sizing models. Also develops the team's Python-based concept-design tools and mentors junior engineers.

OpenVSP · AVL · XFLR5 +6

• London

Owns the top-level L0/L1 architecture of a distributed C-UAS system-of-systems, partitioning the capability into network, sensor and effector subsystems and defining the interfaces between them. Works on decentralised, hardware-agnostic designs enabling engage-on-remote and launch-on-remote, collaborating daily with situational awareness, interceptor integration, AI, software and hardware teams.

Tactical Networking · Mesh Communications · Resilient Data Links +1

• Oakley
• Director · manages people

Lead the Systems Engineering discipline for a defence and aerospace business unit, setting technical vision, governance and methodologies for complex solutions. Oversee lifecycle management activities including bids, design reviews and audits, while driving Model-Based Systems Engineering and digital transformation. Manage and mentor a team of engineers and subject matter experts, acting as senior escalation point for architectural and system-of-systems issues.

MBSE

• London

Executes high-repetition burn-in tests on firmware and hardware for ground control stations and data links, validates mechanical launch systems, and maintains a ground-based Iron Bird rig to simulate component failures. Builds a regression library of edge cases and produces de-risking reports in JIRA, using HIL/SIL setups, protocol analysers and environmental stress testing to shift failure discovery from flight tests to the lab.

JIRA · Oscilloscopes · Spectrum Analysers +2

• Salisbury
• On-site
• £32,000 – £36,000 pa
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Hands-on end-user support role covering hardware, software, Microsoft 365 administration and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, alongside incident response, service requests and user administration. The position also involves building and configuring laptops, desktops and smartphones, contributing to IT projects and service improvements, and maintaining documentation within a growing aerospace-focused IT team.

Microsoft 365 · Microsoft Office · Linux +1

• Fareham
• On-site
• Senior
• Permanent

Hands-on assembly of airframe components, sub-assemblies and fuel systems from build packs, plus installation of avionics onto aircraft and testing of sub-systems to SOPs. Works within a small sub-team on the ULTRA production line, following engineering drawings and feeding process issues back to Manufacturing and Engineering, with UK travel to support flight operations.

Microsoft Office · MCAD · ECAD

• Farnborough
• Hybrid · 3 days in office
• £62,250 – £69,750 pa
• Lead · manages people

Lead technical direction across autonomy and autonomous systems programmes, splitting time roughly 70% on leadership and 30% on hands-on delivery. You will guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, mentor senior engineers, shape technical strategy, engage customers, and support integration, demonstration and trial activities in air or maritime defence domains.

• Bromsgrove
• £35,000 – £45,000 pa
• Mid-level
• Permanent

Coordinate and deliver multiple surveying, inspection and technical projects from initial enquiry through to completion, developing plans, schedules and resource requirements. Liaise with clients, field-based teams, subcontractors and suppliers while monitoring budgets, costs and risks, ensuring health and safety compliance and accurate documentation. Suits someone from a construction, civil engineering, utilities or infrastructure background, with UAV or drone exposure advantageous.

Project Management Software

• .
• Hybrid
• Permanent

Operates UAVs globally, conducting pre-flight checks, flight operations, data collection, and routine maintenance while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. When not on operations, supports the wider Flight Operations team and is expected to become an instructor, requiring teaching and leadership abilities. Involves travel, work outside normal hours, and coordination with ground crews and air traffic control.

MS Excel

• Swindon
• Hybrid · 3 days in office

Hands-on role operating and maintaining industrial additive manufacturing equipment, including SLS and polymer systems, taking builds from preparation through post-processing and inspection. Works closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering and Quality to develop processes, support DfAM activities and production components for aerospace and defence systems.

SLS · PA12 · EOS +3

• Bristol
• Hybrid · 3 days in office
• Lead

Technical owner of FPGA and programmable logic design inside gimbal payloads, covering the video capture and processing chain, sensor and high-speed serial interfaces, and real-time pointing and stabilisation control. The role takes in-house payload electronics from prototype to qualified production, with short design cycles and direct ownership of logic that flies.

Altium