Lead Engineer - Drone Systems Design and Build

This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of an advanced autonomous drone platform that is already operating on live critical infrastructure missions — and lead how it evolves as the company scales. As Lead Engineer – Drone Systems Design & Build, you will be responsible for the overall system architecture and engineering direction of the drone platform. The role combines mechanical engineering leadership with strong systems thinking across electronics, sensors, networking, and software. You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the platform evolves from advanced prototypes into reliable, repeatable systems ready for low-volume production and real-world deployment. Because the team is still small, you’ll stay close to the hardware — contributing to design, integration, and build work where needed — while primarily focusing on technical direction, system-level decisions, and how the engineering capability scales over time. For the right person, this role has significant scope to grow as the company expands.

What you’ll be doing:

• Owning the system architecture of the drone platform, ensuring mechanical, electrical, and software elements integrate into a coherent and reliable product.
• Leading the transition from prototype systems into repeatable, low-volume production, defining design standards, integration processes, and engineering workflows.
• Guiding the design and integration of mechanical structures, sensors, electronics, networking, and control systems.
• Remaining close to the hardware and stepping in hands‑on during early builds, complex integration work, or critical phases of development.
• Translating real‑world operational feedback into design improvements that increase reliability, serviceability, and performance.
• Establishing engineering practices and processes that allow the hardware platform to scale effectively as the team grows.
• Defining and overseeing structured hardware testing programmes, including vibration, thermal, and EMC testing.
• Working with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure components and assemblies support reliable production.
• Contributing to the technical roadmap of the platform, helping shape how the product evolves over the coming years.
• Mentoring and developing engineers as the hardware team expands.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong systems thinking across mechanical, electrical, and software domains, even if your depth sits primarily in one area.
• A solid mechanical engineering background with practical experience designing and integrating electromechanical systems.
• Experience taking complex hardware products from prototype into operational use.
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary environments where hardware, electronics, software, and operations interact closely.
• Ability to lead technical decisions and communicate clearly across engineering teams.
• Confidence working in fast‑moving environments where processes and structures are still evolving.
• Practical experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar).

Nice to have:

• Robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, or complex electromechanical product experience.
• Familiarity with sensor integration, embedded electronics, or networking systems.
• Experience supporting the transition from R&D to production.
• Python or similar tools for test data analysis and system evaluation.

How you’ll work:

• Thinks in systems, not just components.
• Enjoys shaping technical direction and enabling teams to deliver complex hardware.
• Is comfortable moving between high‑level architecture and practical engineering challenges.
• Can communicate ideas clearly and bring energy to technical leadership.
• Wants to play a central role in defining how a hardware platform — and the engineering team behind it — grows over time.

As well as a generous equity package, our employees enjoy the following benefits:

• Regular socials
• Well‑stocked snacks and drinks fridge / good coffee machine
• Beautiful office in converted Victorian school
• Cafe on site
• Nursery on site
• Table tennis, gym, pool, tennis courts on site
• Free parking

About sees.ai: sees.ai is building the operating system for autonomous drone operations, enabling advanced drones to be controlled remotely and deployed at scale. The team operates one of the world’s most advanced BVLOS drone systems, supporting inspections of critical national infrastructure. You’ll join at a pivotal moment — helping shape the technical future of a platform already operating in the real world.