At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate cutting-edge UAVs before they hit the field, ensuring top-notch performance.
- Company: Join Minerva Defence, a fast-growing tech company revolutionising defence technology in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy share options, private health cover, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence tech while working with innovative unmanned systems.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with electronic systems and a knack for diagnostics required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You are the last check before a UAV leaves the building, and these aircraft go straight into operational use. Minerva Defence is one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in Europe. We create the software, hardware and networking that make unmanned systems effective on the modern battlefield, all ideated, designed and manufactured end-to-end in the UK, and in active use today. We are deliberately low-profile: a team of around 60, small in headcount and outsized in effect. We look for people who are not just talented but genuinely committed to the work, the team, and the purpose behind it.
You take completed UAVs from the assembly team and run them through the full validation programme: software installation, sensor calibration, centre of balance, RF checks, and caged motor and propulsion testing. You run each test properly, read what the results are telling you, and decide whether a build is ready or whether something needs to go back. Where there is a fault, you find it and diagnose it before the aircraft moves on. Your sign-off is the last word before an aircraft reaches a customer, so the standard you hold is the standard that reaches the field.
Responsibilities
- Install and configure flight software onto UAV systems, following defined build and test procedures
- Calibrate IMU, compass, barometer and GPS sensors against approved calibration plans
- Run centre of balance and caged propulsion checks, verifying motor response, ESC function and direction of rotation
- Carry out RF link and system checks, from basic radio verification through to antenna alignment and interference assessment
- Diagnose faults across software, sensors, electronics and propulsion, raising non-conformances clearly and promptly
- Record every result accurately for full traceability, and take on whole builds and the mentoring of junior technicians as you progress
Requirements
Minimum:
- Hands-on experience testing, calibrating, or fault-finding electronic or electromechanical systems
- Confident using diagnostic and calibration software and working from technical build documentation
- A track record of producing accurate, traceable test or inspection records
- Eligible for UK SC clearance (UK citizen or 5+ years UK residency)
- Able to work on site in the West Midlands
Preferred:
- Experience with RF systems, radio links or antenna testing
- Familiarity with UAV, avionics or drone platforms
- A relevant technical qualification in electronics, avionics or systems engineering
Benefits
The job is demanding enough, so we try to take the everyday pressures off your plate. The benefits are built around that, starting with a genuine stake in what we are building.
- Share options vesting over three years, so you own a real piece of it
- Bupa private health, fully funded from day one
- 6% employer pension contribution
- 25 days leave plus bank holidays, and properly enhanced cover for both parents
- Enterprise level AI tooling, with as many tokens as you need to accelerate your work
- Relocation support if you are moving to join us, or a home office budget if you work remotely
The full detail comes with your offer.
Validation Technician in Worcester employer: Minerva Defence
Minerva Defence is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a small yet impactful team dedicated to advancing defence technology. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including share options, private health care, and a supportive work culture that fosters growth and collaboration. Located in the West Midlands, we not only value your contributions but also invest in your future, ensuring you have the tools and resources needed to excel in your role as a Validation Technician.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Validation Technician in Worcester
✨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 Minerva Defence for a Validation Technician. 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 Validation Technician in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Minerva Defence, 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 Minerva Defence, 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 Minerva Defence
✨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 Minerva Defence.
✨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 Minerva Defence. 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 Minerva Defence love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
