Lead Engineer (Design Authority)

• Act as the final technical signatory for design changes, ensuring the platform maintains its design intent and safety margins throughout the development lifecycle
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team (Airframe, Avionics, Software, and Comms) to ensure seamless integration of mission systems and payloads
• Drive the strategy for airworthiness requirements (working toward MRP/RA standards), ensuring all documentation is robust and audit-ready
• Define the technical direction of the UAS program, managing complex trade-offs and evolving capability requirements
• Oversee the flow-down of high-level end user requirements into actionable engineering specifications
• Serve as the lead technical liaison with the MoD, DE&S, and external partners, leading design reviews and safety committees

• 12+ years in aerospace engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to UAS or complex military systems
• Proven track record as a Lead Engineer or Design Authority on a complex hardware-software integration project
• Deep understanding of UK Military Registered Aircraft (MRP) or Civil (CAA/EASA) certification frameworks
• Degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Electronic Engineering
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is expected for this level of authority
• Must currently hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK SC (Secret) Clearance
• The ability to make critical "go/no-go" technical decisions under pressure
• A commitment to the highest standards of engineering ethics and safety-critical rigor
• Capable of briefing senior military officers and technical experts alike, distilling complex engineering risks into clear operational impacts
• A proactive desire to embrace new processes and drive continuous improvement in engineering methods
• Comfortable leading in a fast-paced development environment where requirements and threats can evolve rapidly

An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference