Lead Engineer / Design Authority (UAS / UAV / Aerospace)

Job description

Lead Engineer / Design Authority (UAS / UAV / Aerospace)

Location - Bristol / Southwest (Hybrid)

Join a brand-new UK engineering team at the forefront of aerospace innovation. This team are pushing boundaries in unmanned systems with cutting-edge technology, redefining what’s possible in aerospace and autonomous flight.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Engineer / Design Authority to take a strategic role on a high-priority Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programme. This is a platform-level role, not a narrow technical position. You will face off to UK defence customers, set technical direction, and ensure product design is fully aligned to UK airworthiness and compliance requirements, using a strong evidence-based assurance approach while maintaining agility in delivery.

You will work across UK and international engineering teams, owning technical sign-off and ensuring system integrity across the full product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary systems integration (airframe, avionics, software, comms)
• Act as Design Authority, holding final technical sign-off for design changes
• Define and drive an airworthiness and compliance strategy aligned to UK frameworks
• Set the technical roadmap, managing complex trade-offs
• Translate customer and regulatory requirements into robust engineering solutions
• Serve as the senior technical interface to defence customers and partners

Experience & Background

• Proven experience in aerospace, defence, UAS, or safety-critical systems
• Previous experience as a Lead Engineer / Design Authority / senior systems role
• Strong knowledge of UK military or civil airworthiness frameworks
• Degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electronic Engineering (or similar)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent experience
• Eligible for UK SC clearance

#UAS #DefenceTech #DesignAuthority

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Bristol Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

25-01-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English