Technical Design Authority

Job description

Lead Engineer – Design Authority

Location: Bristol - Hybrid 2/3 days per week onsite

Security Clearance: Must be eligible for UK SC clearance

An innovative aerospace and defence technology company is looking for a Lead Engineer / Design Authority to take ownership of the technical integrity of a cutting-edge Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) platform.

This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety, compliance, and performance of a complex aerospace system while guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams.

The Role

As the Design Authority, you will be the senior technical decision maker responsible for maintaining the integrity of the platform throughout its lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the technical authority for the overall system design
• Leading multidisciplinary teams across airframe, avionics, software and communications
• Ensuring compliance with airworthiness and regulatory standards (CAA / EASA / MRP)
• Approving design changes and leading technical governance activities
• Defining the technical roadmap and ensuring system capability evolves with operational needs
• Leading design reviews and engaging with senior internal and external stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in aerospace, defence or complex engineering systems
• Experience as a Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer or Design Authority
• Strong systems engineering and system integration experience
• Knowledge of airworthiness, certification or regulated engineering environments
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards it is desirable
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance

Why Apply?

• Work on advanced unmanned aerospace technology
• Lead engineering decisions on a mission-critical platform
• Join a high-impact engineering team solving complex real-world challenges
• Competitive salary and benefits

For more information please contact myself on kieran.slaughter@empresaria.com

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Bristol Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

16-03-2026

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