At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative UAV design projects from concept to flight.
- Company: Join a passionate team at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private health cover, and a share incentive plan.
- Why this job: Shape the future of flight in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proficient in 3D CAD with strong design and technical skills.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Wiltshire with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.
Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Position: Full-time
Join the forefront of UAV innovation.
This is your chance to work at the cutting edge of manned and unmanned aircraft design, as part of a multi-disciplinary, passionate, and forward-thinking team. With significant new investment driving rapid growth, we are looking for a Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of UAV platforms and systems.
From concept to flight, you’ll be hands-on in delivering projects across aerodynamics, structures, systems integration, and more. If you want to work on truly innovative aircraft in a supportive, collaborative environment, this role puts you right at the heart of the UK’s UAS development.
Why Join Us?
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Holiday buy/sell scheme (up to 5 days)
- Company pension
- Share Incentive Plan (company contributed)
- Life assurance (6× salary) & income protection (75% salary)
- Private health & dental cover
- Green Car Scheme
- Enhanced maternity & paternity
- Professional membership reimbursement
- Paid volunteering day each year
- Ongoing training & development
- Work in beautiful rural Wiltshire, close to historic Salisbury
The Role
Reporting to the Air Vehicle Design Manager, you will:
- Lead or act as Project Engineer on UAV design/modification programmes.
- Capture requirements and develop solutions to meet customer needs.
- Design across aerodynamics, structures, wiring, powerplant, and vehicle systems.
- Ensure designs are optimised for manufacture and assembly.
- Manage supplier deliverables to time, cost, and quality.
- Act as a technical liaison with customers throughout the lifecycle.
- Lead and execute sub-system and vehicle-level testing.
- Maintain configuration control and documentation.
- Support major design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and compliance activities.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).
- First-principles approach to mechanical systems design.
- Experience in design for manufacture & assembly.
- Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
Desirable
- Full lifecycle aerospace systems engineering experience.
- Knowledge of composites, rapid prototyping, and stress analysis.
- Experience with UAV builds, electrical systems, and aerodynamic tools.
- Hands-on test and integration experience.
About You
- British Citizen or existing right to work in the UK (5+ years residency).
- Able to work on-site in Chilmark, Salisbury.
- Willing to travel nationally and internationally.
- Eligible for security clearance.
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and passionate about aerospace innovation.
Ready to design the future of flight?
Apply now and become part of a growing organisation that values teamwork, creativity, and technical excellence — and puts you at the heart of next-generation UAV development.
If you like, I can also make this into a short, high-impact job board or LinkedIn post so it grabs attention in a few seconds. That version would be much more compact and visually punchy. Would you like me to prepare that next?
Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation
Contact Detail:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with UAVs and your proficiency in CAD software. We want to see your passion for design and innovation shine through in every conversation!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. We love candidates who come prepared and show genuine interest in what we do.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and being part of the UAV revolution!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Air Vehicle Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with 3D CAD, mechanical systems design, and any relevant UAV projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about aerospace innovation and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your experiences and what excites you about this role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical report writing and presentation skills in your application. We love candidates who can communicate complex ideas clearly, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your 3D CAD skills, especially with SolidWorks or similar software. Be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail, focusing on how you approached design challenges and what solutions you implemented.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with UAV builds and systems integration. Highlight any specific projects where you led design modifications or testing phases, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage complex tasks.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s recent projects and innovations in UAV technology. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will show that you’re genuinely interested and invested in their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future developments in UAV technology. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture is the right fit for you.