UAS Build Engineer & Pilot in Oxford

Location: Oxfordshire, UK (Office-based)

Salary: Up £30,000

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Do you have UAS build experience (even dissertation-level or university projects count) and want to work for an innovative technology business, operating in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, ownership and continuous learning are highly valued?

We are seeking a UAS Build Engineer & Pilot to join an innovative team developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This hands-on role combines the technical assembly, maintenance and testing of drone platforms with operational flight responsibilities in support of cutting-edge autonomous technology. You may be a recent University Graduate who has studied Aerospace Engineering.

You will play a key role in ensuring aircraft are built to a high standard, maintained in a mission-ready condition, operated safely and compliantly, and continuously improved through testing and operational feedback. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance and have the unrestricted right to work in the UK.

The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, contributing across multiple disciplines and helping to deliver advanced autonomous systems from development through to deployment. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys solving practical engineering challenges, working with emerging technologies and taking responsibility for delivering high-quality results.

• Build, assemble and configure unmanned aircraft systems to engineering specifications.
• Integrate flight controllers, propulsion systems, payloads, communications equipment, sensors and associated hardware.
• Carry out wiring, soldering, fabrication and mechanical assembly of airframes and components.
• Install, configure and update software, firmware and ground control systems and conduct bench testing and system validation before flight operations.
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs and diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, software and communication system faults.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, repair documentation and configuration logs.
• Manage spare parts inventory and recommend replacement or upgrade requirements and ensure aircraft remain airworthy and operationally ready.
• Conduct UAS flight operations safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain relevant UAS certifications, licences and training and prepare operational documentation including flight logs, mission reports and regulatory paperwork.
• Support a strong safety culture by participating in safety reviews and incident investigations.
• Keep up to date with developments in UAS technology, regulations and industry best practice.

• Experience building, maintaining and operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
• Strong knowledge of UAS electronics, propulsion systems, flight controllers and associated hardware.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical and software faults.
• Familiarity with mission planning and ground control software.
• Good understanding of aviation safety principles and risk management.
• Ability to work independently both in workshop and field environments.
• Strong organisational, communication and documentation skills.
• Open Category A1/A3 Certificate – Essential.
• A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) – Desirable.