Electronic Design Engineer in Hereford

We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech startup - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones. Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the Drones / UAS space. With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth — and this is a rare opportunity to join at the moment it matters most.

The role: You will sit at the heart of our hardware development capability — working across the full lifecycle of our UAS platforms, from early prototyping through to qualification and being in the hands of customers. You will be embedded in a cross-functional team alongside RF, mechanical, and embedded software engineers, with your work directly shaping the electronic architecture of complex and innovative drone platforms. You will own the design and development of electronic design, PCBs and electronic subsystems built to survive and perform in the most demanding environments - ruggedised, reliable, and built to perform where commercial-off-the-shelf solutions fall short. You will be responsible for integrating payload systems including power distribution, communication interfaces, and sensor electronics, working closely with the embedded software team to ensure firmware and hardware co-develop effectively. Debugging, fault diagnosis, and hardware bring-up are a core part of the rhythm here — we build things, we test them hard, and we improve them fast.

What you'll do:

• Design, maintain, and iterate PCB layouts and supporting circuits across our UAV platform portfolio
• Support electrical testing, troubleshooting, and fault diagnosis of UAV electronic systems during bring-up, integration, and field support
• Contribute to embedded system development using microcontrollers (e.g. STM32, RP2040) in close collaboration with the embedded software team
• Integrate payload systems including power distribution, sensor interfaces, and communication links
• Implement and test digital communication protocols such as I2C, UART, CAN, and PWM
• Work alongside RF engineers to integrate radio and datalink systems, supporting link reliability and antenna integration
• Develop and maintain power electronics subsystems including battery management, power distribution, and protection circuitry
• Support the integration of flight‑critical electronics with autopilot and flight controller hardware
• Contribute to design‑for‑manufacture and production readiness as products transition from prototype to fielded systems
• Collaborate across mechanical and embedded software disciplines to ensure hardware and firmware co‑develop effectively
• Participate in design reviews, contributing clear technical analysis and supporting rapid, evidence‑based decision making

Essential skills / experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience in electronic engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with circuit design and PCB development.
• Practical knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers.
• Experience debugging electronic hardware and firmware.
• Understanding of common digital communication protocols.

Nice to have / Desired experience:

• Experience with UAV electronics or robotics systems.
• Familiarity with flight controllers and autopilot hardware.
• Experience with power electronics or battery management systems.
• Knowledge of RF communications systems.

Compensation:

• Competitive annual salary
• Performance bonus
• Employee stock options
• Life and health insurance
• 35 days annual leave including public holidays