Engineering Lead - Validation and Support
Chichester, United Kingdom | Posted on 11/11/2026
How do you prove a complex autonomous system is ready for the real world — and keep it performing reliably once it's there?
At sees.ai, you'll lead the team answering that question. You'll work with autonomous aircraft, sensors, communications, control systems and software, building the testing, validation, maintenance and support capability behind our next stage of growth.
You’ll work alongside talented engineers across software, robotics and hardware, and operational specialists putting the technology to work in the field. Our team's backgrounds include Apple, CERN and McLaren F1.
And there's already substantial proof behind the ambition. We're delivering autonomous inspection programmes for National Grid, gaining traction with major grid operators internationally, and we're venture-backed and supported by Boeing.
Your opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations, you'll lead and develop the engineering team responsible for R&D testing and validation, maintenance and technical field support.
A central priority will be building rigorous validation programmes: defining what needs to be demonstrated, testing how the complete system behaves under demanding conditions and producing evidence that supports safety-critical decisions.
You’ll also establish effective maintenance programmes and organise technical support for deployed flight crews. You’ll bring structure to the team's work, help people develop and ensure lessons from live operations feed back into Engineering.
What you’ll do
Lead and develop the team, setting clear priorities across testing, maintenance and field support.
Build test and validation programmes for new hardware, software and operational capabilities, with clear coverage, acceptance criteria and documented evidence.
Guide investigations, corrective action and retesting alongside Engineering and Regulations & Safety.
Develop and run maintenance programmes that keep aircraft and supporting equipment ready for use.
Organise effective field support, improving fault-finding, escalation and knowledge sharing to reduce operational downtime.
What you’ll bring
You've led a rigorous testing and validation programme for complex equipment integrating hardware, software and control systems. You understand how to test a complete system and turn the findings into sound decisions about operational readiness.
You’ll also bring:
Experience leading a technical team, developing people and improving how work is organised and delivered.
Technical depth to challenge test plans and guide fault-finding across interconnected systems.
A disciplined approach to evidence, defect investigation and following corrective actions through.
Practical judgement and the ability to work closely with engineering and operational colleagues.
Your background could include robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, marine or similarly complex electromechanical equipment. Experience establishing maintenance programmes or supporting systems in the field would be valuable.
What you’ll get
Competitive salary and share options — you'll own a piece of what you help build.
The opportunity to shape a critical engineering capability as we scale internationally.
Unusual technical challenges, with the results of your work visible in live operations.
A friendly, collaborative and ambitious team where people share ideas openly, take ownership and enjoy solving difficult problems together.
A small team where your expertise matters and your opinion counts.
Engineering Lead - Validation and Support in Chichester employer: sees.ai
At sees.ai, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their roles. Located in the picturesque West Lavant, our modern facilities provide a stimulating environment for professional growth, particularly for those passionate about IT and engineering. With ample opportunities for development and a commitment to building a secure, cloud-first IT infrastructure, joining our team means contributing to the future of autonomous systems while enjoying a rewarding career.
