UAS Engineer

Cubiq Recruitment
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Software Engineer

Safety Pilot

UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Safety Pilot

Remote Pilot

Drone Pilot

Job Title: Senior UAS Engineer

Location: Bristol (hybrid)

Type: Full-time - permanent


Company Overview:

This company began with the concept of an autonomous vessel docking system and has since evolved into a global tech solution provider. They protect millions of lives, critical infrastructure, and both military and civil assets worldwide. At the core of their systems is NiDAR Core - an IoT platform that fuses hybrid intelligence with top-tier sensors to deliver comprehensive situational awareness and surveillance, enhancing defense, security, and safety. The headquarters are in Monaco, with additional offices in London, Bristol, and Riyadh. They are rapidly expanding and are committed to fostering an environment that encourages creativity, continuous learning, and professional growth.


Position Overview:

This company is seeking a highly motivated Senior UAS Engineer to design, develop, and test novel unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for applications in safety, security, and defense.


Main Responsibilities:

  • System Design & Development: Design and develop UAV platforms, including airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, and power management.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop robust UAS solutions aligned with our mission.
  • Autonomy & AI Integration: Partner with AI/ML specialists to implement autonomous navigation, image processing, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making capabilities.
  • Hardware & Software Integration: Integrate and optimize autopilot systems, communications (e.g., Doodlelabs), sensors (GNSS, Visible/IR Cameras, radar, LiDAR), propulsion, and power train.
  • Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Work in an agile environment to develop and test new UAV technologies swiftly, embracing a 'fly, fail, learn' mindset to expedite product market entry.
  • Flight Testing & Validation: Plan and conduct UAV flight trials, gather and analyze performance data, and refine system capabilities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate to ensure UAV systems meet aviation and safety standards (SORA as applied to CAA/MAA, EASA regulatory bodies).



Requirements:

  • Degree (BEng, MEng, MSc, or PhD) in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • 4+ years of experience in UAS development.
  • Strong understanding of flight control systems, aerodynamics, propulsion, power train, and autonomy.
  • Experience with autopilot firmware (preferably PX4, or the ability to quickly learn it based on Ardupilot experience).
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, ROS2, and MATLAB/Simulink 'UAV Toolbox' and QGround Control for UAV control, simulation, and analysis.
  • Experience in UAV system integration.
  • Understanding of communication protocols (MAVLink, CAN, RF, 4G/5G).
  • Hands-on experience with UAV hardware, including assembly and troubleshooting; comfortable using tools like a soldering iron when necessary.
  • Ability to convey complex UAV engineering concepts clearly and effectively, whether in detailed technical reports or high-level briefings for senior stakeholders.
  • Experience collaborating with industrial and academic partners, including setting requirements and managing their delivery.
  • Ability to plan and conduct flight testing, including generating operations manuals and risk assessments.
  • GVC Qualification or the ability to obtain it within 3 months with company sponsorship.
  • Willingness to travel to local testing sites for day-to-day testing and to other locations, including abroad, for extended test campaigns and demonstrations (2-3 times per year); a driver's license is essential.


Desirable:

  • Team leadership or people management experience.
  • Experience developing novel or unique UAV systems beyond standard quadcopters.
  • Broad experience across the development lifecycle, from concept (TRL 0) to production (TRL 9); direct experience taking a product from development to customer delivery is highly beneficial.
  • Experience in the verification and validation of autonomous systems.
  • Understanding of Guidance, Control, and Navigation (GCN) theory and applications.
  • Ability to conduct aerodynamic simulations and understanding of CFD principles.
  • Experience conducting customer demonstrations in support of sales campaigns.


What's On Offer:

  • Hybrid Working:Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid working environment, balancing on-site collaboration with remote work to suit your lifestyle.
  • Relocation Package:For candidates considering relocation, we provide a comprehensive relocation package to ensure a smooth transition to Bristol.
  • International Exposure:Benefit from opportunities to work abroad in our international offices located in Monaco and Riyadh, enhancing your global experience and professional growth.
  • Great salary:Up to £80k per annum
  • Pension package:6% pensions contribution


If you think you could be a good fit, and would like to hear more, apply directly to this ad, or send you CV to

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

Contract vs Permanent UAV Jobs: Which Pays Better in 2025?

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—commonly referred to as drones—are fast becoming indispensable in industries from construction and agriculture to filming, logistics, and defence. Advances in sensor technology, autonomous flight, and data analytics enable UAVs to capture critical insights, streamline operations, and revolutionise existing workflows. As a result, the UK UAV job market has exploded with opportunities for pilot operators, aeronautical engineers, data analysts, and entrepreneurs. Amid this rapid expansion, UAV professionals face a crucial choice: Should they work as day‑rate contractors, sign fixed-term contracts, or go permanent? Which arrangement promises higher pay in 2025, and what does each model imply for job security, skills development, and career progression? This comprehensive guide unpacks the pros, cons, and earning potential of contract vs. permanent UAV roles, providing sample scenarios to illustrate real-world take‑home pay. Whether your expertise lies in flight control systems, mission planning, embedded software, or UAV data processing, read on to discover which employment path best aligns with your financial goals and professional ambitions.

UAV & Drone Jobs for Non‑Technical Professionals: Where Do You Fit In?

Drones Need More Than Joystick Skills From Royal Mail trials on Scottish islands to BT’s drone‑enabled mobile towers, unmanned‑aircraft systems (UAS) are scaling fast across the United Kingdom. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data show over 9,200 commercial drone operator permits (OA/PDRA) in force by January 2025—up 34 % year‑on‑year. PwC’s Skies Without Limits 2.0 forecasts that by 2030 drones could deliver £45 billion in UK economic uplift and 650,000 jobs. Yet adverts often focus on remote pilots and aeronautical engineers. The reality? 41 % of drone‑sector vacancies highlight operations, compliance, sales or programme management rather than stick‑time or soldering (UK Drone Industry Barometer 2024). Whether you’re skilled at logistics, regulatory affairs or storytelling, there’s a seat for you in the cockpit—without logging 1,000 flight hours. This guide explains the fastest‑growing non‑coding, non‑pilot roles, the transferable expertise you may already possess, authentic transition stories and a 90‑day plan to launch your UAV career.

QinetiQ UAV Jobs in 2025: Your Complete UK Guide to Joining the Team Behind Banshee, Crewed–Uncrewed Teaming & Next‑Gen Drones

From the high‑speed Banshee target drone roaring over the Hebrides range to the UK’s first crewed–uncrewed teaming trial between a jet and swarm drones in 2024, QinetiQ has carved out a leadership position in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The company’s growing portfolio spans design, manufacture, test, evaluation and in‑service support—offering UK engineers and pilots a rare chance to work end‑to‑end on cutting‑edge UAV technology without leaving the country. A quick scan of the QinetiQ careers portal shows roles open across systems engineering, flight software, operations and product support. (careers.qinetiq.com) Whether you dream of writing guidance code for swarm autonomy, flying targets at 350 knots for missile‑defence trials, or helping the RAF certify the next unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), this guide explains how to land a QinetiQ UAV job in 2025.