Head of UAV Systems | Shape the Future of Unmanned Flight
Imagine being the technical backbone behind next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles owning the system end-to-end and setting the direction that turns bold aerospace concepts into flight-ready reality.
We're looking for a Head of UAV Systems to act as the technical authority and system owner across full UAV development programs from early concept and requirements definition through detailed design, prototyping, integration, testing, and flight qualification.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in complex aerospace environments and is driven by results, quality, and delivery.
The Opportunity
Join a fast-scaling aerospace innovator revolutionising the defense industry with cutting-edge UAV technologies. Working alongside global government and defense partners, you'll help deliver high-performance, mission-critical systems that redefine speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness in modern operations.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Technical Leadership & System Ownership
* Act as system architect and technical authority for UAV programs
* Own system-level decisions, trade-offs, and architecture coherence
* Ensure alignment across all subsystems and interfaces
Requirements & Vehicle Design
* Lead system and subsystem requirements definition
* Translate mission and regulatory needs into verifiable technical requirements
* Guide aerodynamic design, flight performance, structural sizing, and materials selection
* Optimise performance, weight, cost, reliability, and manufacturability
Hands-on Engineering & Prototyping
* Stay directly involved in prototype manufacturing and assembly
* Lead metallic and composite prototype builds
* Apply strong Design for Manufacturing & Assembly principles
* Integrate production feedback into evolving designs
Integration, Testing & Flight Campaigns
* Oversee ground and flight test planning
* Participate in and support flight campaigns
* Lead anomaly investigations and root cause analysis
* Drive rapid technical feedback loops
Program Execution
* Ensure on-time, high-quality technical delivery
* Identify and mitigate risks early
* Support realistic planning and technical estimation
Team Leadership
* Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams
* Establish engineering standards and best practices
* Collaborate closely with program, manufacturing, and operations teams
What You'll Bring
* 10+ years in technical leadership within UAV or aerospace programs
* Experience as Technical Lead, Chief Engineer, System Engineer, or Vehicle Architect
* Full lifecycle UAV development experience: design → build → test → fly
* Deep expertise in:
* System requirements management
* UAV/aircraft design
* Aerodynamics & flight mechanics
* Mechanical design & structural analysis
* System architecture
* Avionics, propulsion, payload & control integration
* Ground & flight testing
* Strong manufacturing-driven design mindset
* Experience in high-tech, fast-paced, delivery-focused environments
If you're ready to take full technical ownership of advanced UAV systems and lead engineering teams toward flight-ready excellence, this is your opportunity to define the future of unmanned aerospace.