At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of avionics for next-gen unmanned aircraft and ensure they fly.
- Company: Innovative aviation company focused on real-world flight testing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, pension scheme, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Work on-site at a UK aviation facility with occasional travel.
- Why this job: Build actual flying aircraft and shape the future of unmanned flight.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in avionics or UAS systems with problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Sick of working on “future tech” that never leaves the lab? You know the drill — endless prototypes, PowerPoints, and promises… but no aircraft actually flying. If you want to build systems that end up in the sky rather than in a drawer, keep reading.
Here’s what’s different: They’re actually putting unmanned aircraft into the real world. Proper platforms. Proper flight testing. Proper engineering ownership. No corporate barriers, no design-by-committee, no waiting 18 months for approval to change a connector.
The reality: You’ll take charge of the avionics that make next-generation aircraft work. Control systems, navigation, comms links, power distribution — the lot. You’ll shape architectures, define requirements, and build hardware/software interfaces that survive real flight campaigns, not just simulation. Expect hands-on integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, instrumentation setup, telemetry configuration, and supporting test flights on site. You’ll be deep in the engineering — not observing it from a conference room.
You’ll also work directly with suppliers on hardware selection and qualification, design electrical systems and ground control hardware, and help shape the onboard and offboard tools that keep each aircraft safe in the air.
What you get:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working options
- Pension scheme
- A chance to build aircraft that actually fly, not theory that gathers dust
- A seat at the table shaping the future of unmanned flight
You’ll love this if you:
- Have 3+ years in avionics or UAS systems and want real ownership
- Understand GNSS/INS, telemetry, CAN/UART, RF systems, redundancy — and know how these behave when the aircraft isn’t playing nice
- Can design PCB/electrical systems and get stuck into embedded software or RTOS-based middleware
- Enjoy solving problems that don’t come with a handbook
- Want to work in a place where “future air mobility” means flight test days, not buzzwords
Bonus points for:
- PX4, ArduPilot, Pixhawk experience
- Simulation/HIL work
- Understanding BVLOS, safety cases, or regulatory frameworks
Based full-time on-site at a UK aviation test and development facility, with occasional travel to test sites. Sound like the kind of engineering you actually want to be doing? Apply now.
UAS Avionics Engineer employer: Elev8
Join a forward-thinking medical device manufacturer that values pragmatic engineering and real-world impact. With a small, dedicated R&D team based in Cheshire, you'll enjoy a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility while working on life-saving technologies. The company fosters a collaborative culture with opportunities for hands-on lab work, professional growth, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions directly enhance patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UAS Avionics Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Elev8 for a UAS Avionics Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace UAS Avionics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Elev8, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Elev8, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elev8
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Elev8.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Elev8. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Elev8 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
