At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and computer vision development for innovative aircraft technology.
- Company: Exciting tech startup aiming to revolutionise aviation with cutting-edge AI.
- Benefits: Significant equity, competitive salary, unlimited paid time off, and immediate impact.
- Other info: Be part of a small, dynamic team with huge growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of aviation technology.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion; problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A small and focussed team has been developing our prototype aircraft for technical demonstrations and seed fundraising in Q1 2026. Now in receipt of 2 separate grant funding awards, Flyer is expanding our 3-person founding team with 3 key, critical roles.
You will join this incredible team, onsite, working directly with the founder and our expanding team to take Flyer from tech startup to global phenomenon over the next 5 years.
LOCATION
We are currently located near the beautiful and vibrant city of Salisbury, in Wiltshire. A move early next year to premises nearer Bristol or London is under consideration.
What you’ll be doing
As a founding engineer and Chief of AI and Computer Vision you will be the architect of our intelligence. Your dual mandate: architect the computer vision and perception systems that guide our aircraft, and deploy the generative intelligence that allows our small team to outpace giants.
- Detect & Avoid - you will own the computer vision and sensor fusion stack for our aircraft, ultimately developing our intelligent (AI) autopilot.
- AI force multiplier – you will mastermind the deployment of generative and agentic AI apps within our team to supercharge our engineering and operational progress.
Our vehicle is not just an aircraft – it is a complex robotic system integrating multiple sensors and processors, and executing multiple functions. Leveraging AI in all areas is critical to effective progress with a small team.
What we’re looking for
- We are not looking for ordinary people. We’re looking for passionate, driven and enthusiastic team members who dream of doing impossible things with technology, and changing the world around us.
- Team players who live our values: passion, commitment, courage, integrity, and trust.
- Deep knowledge of computer vision, machine learning and AI.
- A fascination in the frontier labs’ foundation models and their deployment in ingenious apps.
- Experience in integrating computer vision hardware and algorithms.
- Experience developing sensor fusion algorithms.
- Proficiency in testing tools and frameworks for AI-driven systems.
- Intuitive problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt on the fly.
- Familiarity with commercial / open source UAV flight controllers and firmware.
What you’ll get
- Significant Equity – as a founding team member, you will own a significant stake in the future we are building.
- Immediate Impact - you will be one of the first 6 employees, shaping the engineering culture from day one.
- Competitive salary – an initial stipend plus salary uplift following Q1 2026 fundraising.
- Unlimited paid time off – take what you need, when you need it.
Founding Engineer - Chief of AI and Computer Vision in Salisbury employer: Flyer Ai
Flyer offers an exceptional opportunity for passionate innovators to join a small, dynamic team at the forefront of AI and computer vision technology. Located near the vibrant city of Salisbury, with plans to move closer to Bristol or London, employees benefit from significant equity stakes, unlimited paid time off, and the chance to shape the engineering culture from the ground up. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact in a groundbreaking startup environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Engineer - Chief of AI and Computer Vision in Salisbury
✨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 Flyer Ai for a Founding Engineer - Chief of AI and Computer Vision. 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 Founding Engineer - Chief of AI and Computer Vision in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Flyer Ai, 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 Flyer Ai, 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 Flyer Ai
✨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 Flyer Ai.
✨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 Flyer Ai. 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 Flyer Ai love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
