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UAV Systems Engineer Jobs

Design, develop, and optimise the systems that power unmanned aerial vehicles. A critical role in the rapidly evolving drone industry.

Open roles
6
Salary range
£42k – £80k
Hiring companies
4
View 6 live roles → Get an alert

UAV Systems Engineers are at the forefront of the drone revolution, responsible for designing, developing, and optimising the systems that power unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These engineers work across a range of industries, from aerospace and defence to agriculture and environmental monitoring. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that drones are not only functional but also safe, efficient, and compliant with regulatory standards.

What the role does

Inside the role of a UAV Systems Engineer

A typical week for a UAV Systems Engineer is a mix of design, testing, and collaboration. Time is split between the office, lab, and sometimes fieldwork.

  1. 01
    Conduct system design and simulation.
  2. 02
    Perform hardware and software integration tests.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project milestones.
  4. 04
    Analyse data from flight tests and simulations.
  5. 05
    Document findings and prepare reports.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with industry regulations and standards.
Salary on the board

£42k – £80k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 6 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
18% of listings advertise a salary.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 15 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Systems Engineering
53%
Requirements Management
33%
Radar
27%
ARP4754
20%
MATLAB
20%
RF Engineering
20%
Sensor Integration
20%
VHF
20%
RF Propagation
20%
MDA (Maritime Domain Awareness)
20%
IALA Standards
20%
SOLAS
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for uav systems engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior UAV Systems Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of UAV systems, working under the guidance of senior engineers.

  2. Level 2

    UAV Systems Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific system components, lead small projects, and contribute to the overall design process.

  3. Level 3

    Senior UAV Systems Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead major projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

  4. Level 4

    Principal UAV Systems Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Oversee the entire UAV systems engineering function, drive innovation, and influence strategic decisions.

Pathway

How to become a UAV Systems Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Entry-Level Engineer

    Start with foundational roles, assisting in design and testing under supervision.

  2. 2

    Specialised Engineer

    Gain expertise in specific areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or control systems.

  3. 3

    Project Lead

    Take on leadership roles, managing small to medium-sized projects and teams.

  4. 4

    Senior Engineer

    Lead major projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

  5. 5

    Principal Engineer

    Oversee the entire UAV systems engineering function, drive innovation, and influence strategic decisions.

Live jobs

6 live roles

Lead Systems Engineer - ISR & Sensors

The Lead Systems Engineer - ISR & Sensors is responsible for the end-to-end technical leadership of sensor and RF system integrations across maritime platforms including coastal towers, vessels, UAVs, and aircraft. This role involves defining system architecture, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading proof-of-concept activities, and overseeing deployment and commissioning. The engineer will also provide expert guidance on sensor performance, lead cross-functional teams, and engage with customers and suppliers globally to ensure robust, scalable, and compliant MDA system integrations.

SRT Marine Systems PLC Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £65,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Lead Systems Engineer - ISR & Sensors

This role involves leading the technical design, integration, and deployment of advanced ISR sensors and RF systems across maritime platforms including coastal towers, vessels, UAVs, and aircraft. The engineer will ensure compliance with international maritime standards, optimise sensor performance and RF propagation, and provide expert guidance across the project lifecycle from concept to commissioning. The position requires technical leadership, cross-functional coordination, and 24/7 support for live system issues, with international travel and hybrid working based in Bristol.

SRT Marine Systems PLC Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £65,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Production Engineer Systems Integration

This role involves providing production engineering support for the final assembly and testing of remotely operated vehicles and systems. Key responsibilities include standardizing processes, conducting SOP analysis, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The role also focuses on continuous improvement and cross-departmental collaboration.

Saab United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior UAV Systems Engineer - Design and Integration

This role involves leading the design, integration, and troubleshooting of avionics and onboard systems for an unmanned aircraft. The engineer will define system architectures, manage interface requirements across power, communications, and payloads, and support testing from ground to flight operations. Emphasis is placed on creating mature, documented, and productisable systems within a fast-paced start-up environment.

Matchtech West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Systems Test Engineer

This role involves leading simulation-driven testing and automation for autonomy software used in intelligent aircraft systems. The engineer will develop test frameworks, execute system-level validation in simulated environments, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software reliability. Responsibilities include building Python-based tools, supporting CI/CD integration, and maintaining test infrastructure for SIL/HIL/VIL validation.

Shield AI London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Lead Systems Engineer - ISR & Sensors

This role involves leading the technical design, integration, and deployment of ISR sensors such as radar, RF, and camera systems across maritime platforms including coastal towers, vessels, UAVs, and aircraft. The engineer will define system architectures, ensure compliance with international maritime standards, and provide expert guidance on sensor performance and installation. The position also includes 24/7 fourth-line support, cross-functional coordination, and international site visits for validation and commissioning.

SRT Marine Systems PLC Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
1 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Bristol

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Relevant certifications and practical experience are also valuable.

  • Key skills include strong technical knowledge in aerodynamics, control systems, and materials science, as well as proficiency in CAD software and programming languages.

  • Industries such as aerospace, defence, agriculture, and environmental monitoring are major employers of UAV Systems Engineers.

  • UAV Systems Engineers often work in a mix of office, lab, and field environments, depending on the project phase and requirements.

  • Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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