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: Collaborative environment with exciting projects and career advancement potential.
- 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 hardware 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 in Havant employer: Livelink
LiveLink Aerospace is an exceptional employer for UAV Design Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets hands-on experience. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, team members are encouraged to develop their skills through cutting-edge projects and cross-functional teamwork. Located in the UK, the company provides unique opportunities to work on advanced aerospace technology while ensuring a supportive culture that values creativity and problem-solving.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UAV Design Engineer in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the UAV industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best UAV designs and projects. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the table beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with Fusion 360, prototyping, and systems integration – they’ll want to see you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace UAV Design Engineer in Havant
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 work you've done with UAV systems. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise in UAV design and integration. Whether it's a prototype you built or a problem you solved, we love seeing real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experience and skills. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at LiveLink Aerospace!
How to prepare for a job interview at Livelink
✨Know Your UAV Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UAV systems, especially the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with Fusion 360, flight stacks like ArduCopter and Betaflight, and 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 experiences. Bring examples of how you've used 3D printing or other manufacturing methods to create and iterate designs. 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 your collaborative experiences. Think of specific instances where you partnered with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure everyone is on the same page during projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to mechanical design, component specification, and systems integration. Brush up on your understanding of weight/balance optimisation and electronics assembly. Practising answers to potential questions can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
