At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype cutting-edge UAV systems from concept to production.
- Company: Join LiveLink Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting projects and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in UAV design, CAD proficiency, and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
LiveLink Aerospace is seeking a skilled and passionate UAV Design Engineer with 4 to 5 years of dedicated experience in the unmanned aerial vehicle field. In this role, you will own the lifecycle of our UAV systems - from initial concept and prototyping through to integration, validation, and low-volume production. You will blend cutting‑edge mechanical design with hands‑on hardware integration, working in a fast‑paced environment to build, test, and refine the next generation of aerospace technology.
Important Requirements:
- Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our projects and the sensitive data we handle, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). This typically requires having lived in the UK for the last 5 years and holding a valid passport.
Key Responsibilities:
- Mechanical & Structural Design: Design high-performance UAV airframes, payload structures, and mechanical assemblies using Fusion 360. Develop detailed CAD models and production‑ready technical drawings.
- Component Specification: Select and specify optimal UAV components, including propulsion systems, motors, ESCs, batteries, telemetry modules, sensors, and flight controllers.
- Rapid Prototyping: Design and rapidly iterate prototypes utilising 3D printing, sheet metal, laser CNC, and other advanced manufacturing methods to optimise performance and manufacturability.
- Manufacturing & Documentation: Produce comprehensive assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and detailed build instructions to ensure seamless knowledge transfer and traceability for production teams.
- Systems Integration & Testing: Perform hands‑on integration, wiring, and soldering of electronics. Configure, tune, and troubleshoot flight stacks running Betaflight and ArduCopter firmware.
- Field Operations & Validation: Conduct field testing and flight validation. Debug UAV performance issues under real‑world conditions, identifying root causes to drive iterative design improvements.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with RF and software engineers to ensure hardware accommodates system requirements, and collaborate with production teams to transition prototypes into scalable, low‑volume manufacturing workflows.
- Vendor Management: Coordinate with external suppliers and manufacturers for prototype fabrication and low‑volume production runs.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- Technical Design & Manufacturing: Advanced proficiency in parametric CAD (Fusion 360) and technical drawing creation. Deep understanding of UAV architecture, system integration, and weight/balance optimisation. Hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing), sheet metal design/fabrication, laser cutting, and CNC bending machinery. Strong practical skills in electronics assembly, routing, and precision soldering.
- Flight Systems & Testing: Proven experience configuring and tuning ArduCopter and Betaflight flight stacks. Excellent field troubleshooting, debugging, and data‑logging analysis skills. GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate) certification for operating multirotor and fixed‑wing UAV platforms is highly desirable.
Professional Attributes:
- A proactive problem‑solver who thrives in rapid development cycles.
- Strong collaborative communication skills for working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Excellent organisational skills for managing BOMs, suppliers, and technical documentation.
UAV Design Engineer in Havant employer: Uncrewed Systems Technology
LiveLink Aerospace is an exceptional employer for UAV Design Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through hands-on projects and cross-functional teamwork, all while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace technology in the UK. Our commitment to a supportive culture and the chance to work on meaningful projects makes us an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding career in the UAV field.
Contact Details:
Uncrewed Systems Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UAV Design Engineer in Havant
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Uncrewed Systems Technology for a UAV Design Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace UAV Design Engineer in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Uncrewed Systems Technology, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Uncrewed Systems Technology, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Uncrewed Systems Technology
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Uncrewed Systems Technology.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Uncrewed Systems Technology. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Uncrewed Systems Technology love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
