At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge drone hardware from concept to production.
- Company: Exciting YC-backed defence startup with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the chance to shape a growing team.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead and mentor as the team expands.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team and make a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: 4-10 years in hardware engineering, ideally with drone systems experience.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
A YC-backed (W26) defence startup building autonomous drone systems for military and government customers. Six people. Strong early traction with defence and security partners internationally, shipping hardware that ends up in the field.
They're hiring a Founding Hardware Engineer to own the entire hardware stack. You'll start hands-on: prototyping, board bring-up, flight testing. You'll grow into building and leading the hardware org as the team scales.
What you’ll own:
- PCB design end to end: flight controllers, motor drivers, power systems, companion computers, sensor boards (STM32, SoMs)
- Full lifecycle from schematic capture and routing through bring-up, flight testing and production, including DFM and Gerbers with manufacturers
- Standing up a UK manufacturing facility and the engineering culture around it
- Hiring and mentoring junior hardware engineers as the team grows
What you’ll need:
- 4-10 years in hardware/electronics engineering, ideally with drone or UAV systems
- Genuine end-to-end PCB experience, schematic through to manufactured board
- Broad hardware range: power, analog, digital, embedded (STM32-class)
- Comfortable owning decisions and getting hands dirty, this is a building culture, not a managing one
Good to have:
- Personal or professional drone/UAV build experience
- Prior experience hiring or managing 1-2 engineers
- Defence procurement or bid-writing exposure
Hardware Engineer employer: Oakmont Consulting
Oakmont Consulting offers an exceptional work environment for engineers looking to make a significant impact in the semiconductor industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a generous benefits package including a 20% bonus, the company fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and ownership throughout the product lifecycle. Located in Bristol, employees enjoy a vibrant city with a thriving tech community, making it an ideal place for both personal and professional development.
