Principal Technologist – Uncrewed Systems in Salisbury

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer-focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands: technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at the forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values

• Innovation
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Excellence

Why Work for Us

Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly, and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.

Our Benefits Include

• 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
• Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
• Pension Scheme via Royal London Company contributed
• Share Incentive Plan
• Green Car Scheme
• Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary)
• Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
• Private Health Insurance via Vitality
• Private Dental insurance via Bupa
• Enhanced Maternity and paternity
• 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
• 1 paid volunteering day per year
• Access to an independent financial advisor year round
• Training & development opportunities

About The Role

We are looking for a skilled Principal Technologist to lead the technical evolution of our cutting-edge UxS platforms. This high-impact role blends strategic thinking, hands-on engineering, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to shape the future of autonomous flight. You’ll drive innovation across avionics, autonomy, systems integration, and flight operations, translating novel ideas into airborne reality. The Role sits as the lead position in Callen-Lenz’s Technology Office.

Responsibilities

• Technology Leadership
  • Define and lead the technology roadmaps for advanced UAS systems and associated avionics across CL.
  • Maintain and refine the CL Technology Strategy.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies (for example, AI/ML, edge computing, sensors, multi domain autonomy) and assess feasibility and readiness for deployment.
  • Coordinate common technology development across engineering disciplines.
• Systems Architecture & Integration
  • Work closely with product teams to guide future full-stack UAS systems architectures in alignment with the CL Technology Strategy.
• Research & Development
  • Perform horizon scanning for new and emerging technologies.
  • Develop collaborative relationships to progress key technologies with industry, customer groups and academia.
  • Coordinate aligned technology partnerships held by others within CL.
  • Initiate and steer internal R&D projects in accordance with the technology strategy.
  • Have a strategic technology oversight of the R&D portfolio of projects.
  • Represent the company externally in technical committees, consortia, and industry bodies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Support business development through client engagement, white papers, and technical bid writing.
  • Liaise with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Health and Safety
  • Demonstrate in daily activities a commitment to health and safety in the workplace by always ensuring tasks are performed in the safest possible manner.
  • Report all hazards and incidents that the individual is party to, or observes, in the correct manner.
  • When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training.

Qualifications About You

• Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Robotics, or related field.

Essential Skills and competencies

• Demonstrable experience in UAS, avionics, or autonomous systems design.
• Strong grasp of systems engineering, flight control algorithms, sensor fusion, and autonomy.
• Proven track record of delivering technically complex platforms from concept to flight.
• Project Management qualification and experience in innovation projects, ideally involving UAS development.

Personal Attributes

• Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK.
• Ability to commit to national and international travel.
• Excellent communication skills, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Equal Opportunities

Callen‑Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Security and Export Controls

Please be aware that many roles at Callen‑Lenz are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.