At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge UAV systems from concept to production.
- Company: Join LiveLink Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exciting projects and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in UAV design, CAD proficiency, and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
LiveLink Aerospace is seeking a skilled and passionate UAV Design Engineer with 4‑5 years of dedicated experience in the unmanned aerial vehicle field. In this role, you will own the lifecycle of our UAV systems – from initial concept and prototyping through to integration, validation, and low‑volume production. You will blend cutting‑edge mechanical design with hands‑on hardware integration, working in a fast‑paced environment to build, test, and refine the next generation of aerospace technology.
Important Requirements
- Security Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC), typically requiring having lived in the UK for the last 5 years and holding a valid passport.
Key Responsibilities
- Mechanical & Structural Design: Design high‑performance UAV airframes, payload structures, and mechanical assemblies using Fusion 360. Develop detailed CAD models and production‑ready technical drawings.
- Component Specification: Select and specify optimal UAV components, including propulsion systems, motors, ESCs, batteries, telemetry modules, sensors, and flight controllers.
- Rapid Prototyping: Design and rapidly iterate prototypes utilizing 3D printing, sheet metal, laser CNC, and other advanced manufacturing methods to optimise performance and manufacturability.
- Manufacturing & Documentation: Produce comprehensive assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and detailed build instructions to ensure seamless knowledge transfer and traceability for production teams.
- Systems Integration & Testing: Perform hands‑on integration, wiring, and soldering of electronics. Configure, tune, and troubleshoot flight stacks running Betaflight and ArduCopter firmware.
- Field Operations & Validation: Conduct field testing and flight validation. Debug UAV performance issues under real‑world conditions, identifying root causes to drive iterative design improvements.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with RF and software engineers to ensure hardware accommodates system requirements, and collaborate with production teams to transition prototypes into scalable, low‑volume manufacturing workflows.
- Vendor Management: Coordinate with external suppliers and manufacturers for prototype fabrication and low‑volume production runs.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Technical Design & Manufacturing: Advanced proficiency in parametric CAD (Fusion 360) and technical drawing creation. Deep understanding of UAV architecture, system integration, and weight/balance optimisation. Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing), sheet metal design/fabrication, laser cutting, and CNC bending machinery. Strong practical skills in electronics assembly, routing, and precision soldering.
- Flight Systems & Testing: Proven experience configuring and tuning ArduCopter and Betaflight flight stacks. Excellent field troubleshooting, debugging, and data‑logging analysis skills. GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) certification for operating multirotor and fixed‑wing UAV platforms is highly desirable.
Professional Attributes
- A proactive problem‑solver who thrives in rapid development cycles.
- Strong collaborative communication skills for working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Excellent organisational skills for managing BOMs, suppliers, and technical documentation.
UAV Design Engineer employer: LiveLink Aerospace Ltd
LiveLink Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Havant where innovation meets collaboration. As a UAV Design Engineer, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technology but also benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth through hands-on experience and cross-functional teamwork. With competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development, LiveLink Aerospace is dedicated to fostering a rewarding career path for its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UAV Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local aerospace meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your UAV design projects, prototypes, and any hands-on work you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software like Fusion 360 and your hands-on integration work. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in UAV design and systems integration.
We think you need these skills to ace UAV Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the UAV Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with mechanical design, CAD software like Fusion 360, and any hands-on work you've done with UAV systems. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about UAV technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Show Off Your Projects:If you've worked on any cool UAV projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's a prototype you built or a problem you solved, we love seeing real-world examples of your work. It helps us understand your hands-on experience better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at LiveLink Aerospace!
How to prepare for a job interview at LiveLink Aerospace Ltd
✨Know Your UAV Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UAV systems, especially the specific technologies mentioned in the job description like Fusion 360 and ArduCopter. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled challenges in UAV design and integration.
✨Show Off Your Prototyping Skills
Since rapid prototyping is a key part of this role, prepare to talk about your experience with 3D printing and other manufacturing methods. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio that showcases your designs and prototypes to impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any cross-functional projects you've been involved in to show you're a team player.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to UAV performance, troubleshooting, and systems integration. Brush up on your problem-solving strategies and be prepared to walk through your thought process when addressing potential issues during field testing.
