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: Fast-paced environment with excellent collaboration and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in UAV design, strong CAD skills, and hands-on electronics experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
LiveLink Aerospace is seeking a skilled and passionate UAV Design Engineer with 4 to 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: Due to the nature of our projects and the sensitive data we handle, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). This typically requires 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 utilising 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 optimization. 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 Technology Ltd
LiveLink Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Havant where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in cutting-edge UAV technology. Our supportive culture encourages creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for passionate engineers to thrive and contribute to the future of aerospace.
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 meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that UAV Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best UAV designs and projects. We recommend including detailed CAD models and prototypes you've worked on. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Fusion 360 and any hands-on projects. We suggest practicing common interview questions related to UAV systems integration and testing.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the UAV field, so don’t hesitate to hit that apply button!
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 CAD software like Fusion 360 and any hands-on projects you've worked on. 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! Share your passion for UAV technology and explain why you're the perfect fit for LiveLink Aerospace. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical skills, especially in areas like systems integration and testing. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience with electronics assembly and flight systems.
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 helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Livelink Technology Ltd
✨Know Your UAV Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UAV systems and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with Fusion 360, ArduCopter, and Betaflight, as well as any hands-on projects you've worked on. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about your rapid prototyping experience. Bring examples of past projects where you used 3D printing or other advanced manufacturing methods. If possible, share any challenges you faced during prototyping and how you overcame them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and hands-on expertise.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with RF and software engineers, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you communicated technical information effectively and contributed to team success. This will demonstrate your ability to work well in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to mechanical design, systems integration, and testing. Brush up on your knowledge of component specifications and weight/balance optimisation. Practising answers to common technical interview questions can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
