Senior UAV Robotics & Systems Engineer

Location: Thruxton, Hampshire

Salary: £50,000-£75,000 DOE

Type: Permanent, full-time

The Opportunity

We're working with an ambitious UK-based defence and UAV technology business developing next-generation unmanned aircraft systems

With a small, highly experienced team and a growing portfolio of defence contracts, the business is entering an exciting stage of development as it looks to take its latest platform from development through to commercialisation.

They're looking for a Senior UAV Robotics & Systems Engineer to join the team and play a key role in developing, integrating and advancing their autonomous aircraft technology.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer who wants more than just another role. You'll have real ownership, direct access to the leadership team and the opportunity to influence the technical direction of a developing product.

The Role

You'll take a hands-on role across UAV robotics, autonomous systems and flight control development.

Working closely with the Operations Director, Managing Director and R&D leadership, you'll help develop, integrate, test and refine the systems that underpin the aircraft.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and integrating Linux-based robotics and autonomous systems using ROS 2.
• Working with UAV autopilot platforms such as ArduPilot and PX4.
• Developing and integrating flight control and communication systems using MAVLink.
• Using Python and C++ to develop and improve autonomous functionality.
• Supporting the integration, configuration and optimisation of UAV systems.
• Getting hands-on with aircraft build, testing, flight trials and system tuning.
• Troubleshooting technical challenges across hardware and software interfaces.
• Supporting the development of robust and reliable autonomous flight capabilities.
• Contributing to operational readiness, including an understanding of CAA regulations, SORA and risk assessments.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in engineers who combine strong technical capability with a practical, hands-on approach to developing real-world autonomous systems.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Experience in UAV, UAS, drone or autonomous aircraft development.
• Strong experience with Linux-based systems and ROS 2.
• Knowledge of ArduPilot or PX4 autopilot systems.
• Programming experience in Python and C++.
• Familiarity with MAVLink and UAV communication protocols.
• Experience integrating, testing and troubleshooting complex robotic systems.
• Practical experience building, flying, configuring or tuning UAV platforms.
• An understanding of aviation regulations, CAA requirements and SORA processes.

You'll ideally have a degree or technical apprenticeship in a relevant STEM discipline, such as Robotics, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

We're open to different technical backgrounds, provided you have the relevant practical experience and engineering ability.