Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Avionics System Engineer

AALTO
Farnborough
9 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior/Lead Propulsion Engineer

Propulsion Engineer

Aircraft Avionic Technician

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognizing your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

AALTO’s Zephyr aircraft is a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and is currently the sectors lead product having completed the most hours in the stratosphere with numerous payloads and configurations. Having already flown beyond 60 days we have demonstrated that we are able to provide longevity in the stratosphere, enabling both civil and military operations above 60,000ft which is up and beyond conventional air traffic.

Zephyr provides a more affordable service solution than satellites, with the additional benefit of increased mobility as we can relocate in lieu of needing to deploy additional satellites.

As a newly established entity we plan to become a leading Global HAPS Connectivity Service provider for the Mobile and Satellite Network Operator market. We can connect the diverse needs of our customers – whether for rural, overlay capacity, disaster recovery or new affordable service provisions. As a Platform as a Service (PaaS) we can also offer both Institutions and Military operators; Earth observation, tracking and comms. solutions and all powered by sunlight.

Job Purpose:

As a Systems Engineer (avionics), you will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and implementation of the Zephyr system. Leveraging your extensive experience and expertise, you will lead and contribute to complex Avionics Systems engineering projects, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. This role requires a deep understanding of electronics, software, and aerospace systems to ensure the reliability and functionality of these systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation, meeting project objectives, and adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Project Management: Manage integration projects from initiation to completion, overseeing budget, timeline, and resource allocation to deliver successful outcomes. Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Spearhead the design process, including conceptualisation, specifications, and system architecture, taking into account, avionics HW & SW, communication, and payload integration.
  • Investigate and resolve issues related to avionics systems.
  • Integrate SATCOM (Satellite Communications) systems into avionics platforms, including Iridium and other SATCOM networks such as Inmarsat, Viasat, and Starlink.
  • Document all aspects of avionics systems for reference, maintenance, and system upgrades. Maintain detailed records of design specifications, testing results, and project progress.
  • Stay current with technological advancements and implement new technologies into avionics designs.
  • System Design Review: Conduct design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR …).
  • Requirements Management: elicitation, analysis, traceability, prioritisation, V&V, baseline and maintenance.
  • Testing and Validation: Develop and manage extensive testing protocols to validate the integrated systems' performance, including system-level testing, and mission simulation.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all systems adhere to international regulations and safety standards, coordinating necessary certifications and approvals.
  • Research and Development: Stay updated with the latest HAPS technologies and trends.
  • Communication: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, project managers and analysis engineers to ensure smooth project coordination and integration.
  • Cost Management: Manage project budgets and resources efficiently, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
  • Overseas Travel: Travel overseas may be required as part of this job.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in similar roles.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of avionics systems and subsystems.
  • Demonstrable knowledge in Satcom Systems, e.g. Iridium, Inmarsat, Viasat, Starlink.
  • Experience in sophisticated Systems Engineering tools, e.g. DOORS, JAMA.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
  • Knowledge of UAV regulations, safety standards, and emerging technologies.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Knowledge of aviation processes: ARP4754, ARP4761, DO178, DO254 (desirable).

In addition to salary, we offer:

  • Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.

  • Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.

  • Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.

  • Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.

  • Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.

  • We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.

  • Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, because you deserve a treat!


#LI-AB1



Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

UAV (Drones) Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK unmanned aviation (UAV/UAS/RPAS) hiring has shifted from aircraft‑type buzzwords to capability‑driven evaluation across flight ops, autonomy, data products, safety & regulatory compliance. Employers want proof you can plan, fly, analyse and scale UAV systems safely and economically—VLOS/A2 CofC, GVC, BVLOS & SORA ops, UTM integrations, command‑and‑control resilience, sense‑and‑avoid, payload pipelines, and fleet reliability. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for UAV pilots/ops managers, flight test engineers, autonomy/perception, GNC/control, UTM/backend, safety & airworthiness, data processing/analysis, and field engineering roles. Who this is for: UAV pilots & flight ops, mission planners, flight test & safety engineers, autonomy/SLAM/perception, GNC/control engineers, embedded/avionics, communications & C2 links, UTM/airspace integrations, data processing (imagery/LiDAR/thermal), GIS/photogrammetry, maintenance & field techs, and programme/product managers in the UK.

Why UAV (Drone) Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have seen rapid adoption across sectors in the UK — agriculture, logistics, inspection, mapping, delivery, search & rescue, environmental monitoring, media, defence, and more. As UAV use proliferates, the roles supporting them are shifting. Modern UAV careers are no longer just about aerodynamics, electronics or autopilot algorithms. They now require knowledge of law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design — because flying machines in public airspace must be safe, trusted, legal, intuitive and well communicated. In this article, we’ll explore why UAV careers in the UK are becoming more multidisciplinary, how those allied fields intersect with UAV work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to adapt.

UAV Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern UAV Department

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, are transforming industries across the UK—from agriculture, surveillance, mapping, and inspection to logistics, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. UAV systems combine hardware, embedded systems, controls, autonomy, sensors, communications, regulatory / airworthiness, and operations. As the UAV ecosystem grows, companies need team structures that ensure safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. If you are applying for UAV roles via UAVJobs.co.uk or building a UAV team, this article will help you understand the roles typical in a modern UAV department, how they collaborate throughout the UAV lifecycle, what skills and qualifications employers expect in the UK, what salaries look like, common challenges, and best practices for structuring teams that deliver capable UAV systems.