At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative autonomous systems and drive impactful technology solutions.
- Company: Join Archangel Autonomy, a pioneering tech start-up focused on AI and robotics.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment in Oxford with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping the future of autonomous technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in systems engineering with a passion for drones and complex systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you a detail-oriented Lead Systems Engineer passionate about autonomous and uncrewed systems like drones?
About Us
At Archangel Autonomy, we deploy AI and robotics to protect service personnel, critical infrastructure, and first responders in large, remote areas. Our mission is to make machines smart enough to become competent teammates instead of just tools, working alongside society’s most exposed workers in remote and challenging locations to protect people, infrastructure, assets and planet at scale. We're seeking a Lead Systems Engineer ready to make a real impact!
In this role you'll report to the CTO and work with the tech team and Project Manager to drive the design and delivery of innovative UXV co-pilot systems. You’ll define system requirements, architecture, and modelling letting us push the boundaries of autonomous systems. This position plays a crucial role in delivering reliable, game-changing solutions to end users. Each feature release brings us closer to transforming the future of autonomous technology. This is your opportunity to accelerate your career while shaping the next generation of intelligent systems.
What you’ll do:
- Be the design authority for a new UAS product.
- Build out system architecture and technical direction for this new product which draws from our existing products but requires complete system definition:
- Define system architecture, CONOPS, and top-level requirements
- Lead technology selection decisions and trade studies
- Establish and manage system performance budgets across subsystems
- Decide on system interfaces and integration strategies
- Serve as technical authority in customer and certification discussions
- Own the technical baseline that informs future product development
- Build on and improve our systems engineering practice.
- Create a new systems engineering process for our team to use by demonstrating it on the product described above.
- Develop a minimum viable systems engineering practice, balancing rigour and speed
- Implement requirements management and interface control that teams adopt naturally because they see it working
- Pioneer AI-augmented workflows within Systems Engineering
- Help ensure design documentation is coherent, consistent, visible, reviewed and verified in its implementation
- Build traceability frameworks connecting requirements, design and verification
- Guide junior engineers in building systems engineering tools that integrate with developer workflows
To succeed in this role you must have:
- 5+ years in systems engineering for complex systems with full product lifecycle exposure (from concept through to supported products in the field)
- Proven track record of taking design authority and making authoritative technical decisions on complex systems
- Experience shipping real products, ideally with high assurance requirements (e.g. DO-178, DO-254, ISO 26262, or equivalent)
- Experience establishing engineering processes in growing organisations (ideally smaller companies with broad exposure, not narrow areas of work within large organisations)
- Working knowledge of product security standards and quality compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, AS 9100, ISO 9001, etc.)
- Practical, hands-on experience with both hardware and software system integration
- Strong technical judgement to make pragmatic trade-offs, balancing startup speed with necessary rigour
- Demonstrated interest in AI tooling and keenness to pioneer new approaches rather than follow traditional methods
Nice-to-have bonus skills:
- Demonstrable experience with drone and UAVs, autonomous systems, or complex systems generally will align well with what we need for this role.
- Please highlight these in your application or when talking to our team:
- Priority 1: Drone/UAV Systems
- Designing drones/UAV systems through full development lifecycle
- Understanding of safety cases, airworthiness standards, and UAV certification processes
- MOD or defence customer experience
- Background in navigation systems, sensor fusion, or perception for autonomous systems
- Priority 2: Adjacent Autonomous Systems
- Autonomous vehicles and robotics (Ocado, Arrival, Amazon Robotics, Dyson)
- Missile/weapons systems, with focus on the navigation subsystem
- Priority 3: Complex Systems with High Assurance
- Aircraft, aerospace, complex hardware/software systems
- High assurance and safety requirements experience
- Academic/research experience delivering complex navigation systems
- Understanding of model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
- The ability to make a measurable difference in the creation of cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing start-up
- Fast-paced environment with a world-class, positive, talented, and high-achieving team
- Merit-based compensation
- 5% employer pension contribution and pension salary sacrifice schemes
- 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays
- Relocation Support Package
- Team socials
- A variety of perks which evolve frequently: Free Monday team lunch, Cycle2work scheme, Private Medical Insurance, and a yearly voucher for your favourite app
By joining us, you'll have:
Security clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of some of our work, it would be beneficial for candidates to be able and willing to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this role.
Location:
At our core, we value the power of in-person interactions and collaborative sessions. Our office in Oxford, UK is not just a workplace it's a hub for team camaraderie and innovation. We have a unique and welcoming environment where team members enjoy taking their lunch together ‘no one left behind’ mentality but high autonomy. We even bring our international team mates over for special events and all-company gatherings.
What's Next?
Excited to join us? Apply now and a member of our HR team will get in touch. The process typically includes a screening call, assessment, and interview. We look forward to hearing from you!
Lead Systems Engineer in Oxford employer: Archangel Autonomy
At Archangel Autonomy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Oxford, UK. Our team thrives on innovation and camaraderie, with opportunities for professional growth and merit-based compensation, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and relocation support. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of autonomous systems while enjoying a supportive culture that values both individual contributions and team success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Archangel Autonomy or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for autonomous systems and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with complex systems and how it aligns with what we do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with autonomous systems and drones. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Archangel Autonomy!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to. We love seeing how you've made an impact in your previous roles, especially in systems engineering.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon that might confuse us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Archangel Autonomy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autonomous systems, especially drones and UAVs. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex systems and how you've taken design authority in past projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Process
Be prepared to talk about how you've established engineering processes in previous roles. Archangel Autonomy is looking for someone who can build a new systems engineering practice, so highlight any experiences where you've successfully implemented or improved processes, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Technical Judgement
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've made pragmatic trade-offs in your work. Share specific examples where you've balanced speed with necessary rigour, particularly in high assurance environments. This will demonstrate your ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
✨Connect with the Team Culture
Archangel Autonomy values collaboration and camaraderie, so show your enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented environment. Mention any experiences where you've contributed to team dynamics or fostered a positive atmosphere, as this aligns with their 'no one left behind' mentality.
