At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative autonomous systems like drones.
- Company: Join Archangel Autonomy, a pioneering tech start-up focused on AI and robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and exciting team perks.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of intelligent systems.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in systems engineering with experience in complex systems.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you a detail-oriented Lead Systems Engineer passionate about autonomous and uncrewed systems like drones?
About Us
At Archangel Autonomy, we deploy AI and robotics to protect service personnel, critical infrastructure, and first responders in large, remote areas. Our mission is to make machines smart enough to become competent teammates instead of just tools, working alongside society’s most exposed workers in remote and challenging locations to protect people, infrastructure, assets and planet at scale. We're seeking a Lead Systems Engineer ready to make a real impact!
In this role you'll report to the CTO and work with the tech team and Project Manager to drive the design and delivery of innovative UXV co-pilot systems. You’ll define system requirements, architecture, and modelling letting us push the boundaries of autonomous systems. This position plays a crucial role in delivering reliable, game-changing solutions to end users. Each feature release brings us closer to transforming the future of autonomous technology. This is your opportunity to accelerate your career while shaping the next generation of intelligent systems.
What you’ll do
- Be the design authority for a new UAS product.
- Build out system architecture and technical direction for this new product which draws from our existing products but requires complete system definition:
- Define system architecture, CONOPS, and top-level requirements
- Lead technology selection decisions and trade studies
- Establish and manage system performance budgets across subsystems
- Decide on system interfaces and integration strategies
- Serve as technical authority in customer and certification discussions
- Own the technical baseline that informs future product development
- Build on and improve our systems engineering practice.
- Create a new systems engineering process for our team to use by demonstrating it on the product described above.
- Develop a minimum viable systems engineering practice, balancing rigour and speed
- Implement requirements management and interface control that teams adopt naturally because they see it working
- Pioneer AI-augmented workflows within Systems Engineering
- Help ensure design documentation is coherent, consistent, visible, reviewed and verified in its implementation
- Build traceability frameworks connecting requirements, design and verification
- Guide junior engineers in building systems engineering tools that integrate with developer workflows
Qualifications
- 5+ years in systems engineering for complex systems with full product lifecycle exposure (from concept through to supported products in the field)
- Proven track record of taking design authority and making authoritative technical decisions on complex systems
- Experience shipping real products, ideally with high assurance requirements (e.g. DO-178, DO-254, ISO 26262, or equivalent)
- Experience establishing engineering processes in growing organisations (ideally smaller companies with broad exposure, not narrow areas of work within large organisations)
- Working knowledge of product security standards and quality compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, AS 9100, ISO 9001, etc.)
- Practical, hands‑on experience with both hardware and software system integration
- Strong technical judgement to make pragmatic trade-offs, balancing startup speed with necessary rigour
- Demonstrated interest in AI tooling and keenness to pioneer new approaches rather than follow traditional methods
Nice-to-have bonus skills
- Priority 1: Drone/UAV Systems
- Designing drones/UAV systems through full development lifecycle
- Understanding of safety cases, airworthiness standards, and UAV certification processes
- MOD or defence customer experience
- Background in navigation systems, sensor fusion, or perception for autonomous systems
- Priority 2: Adjacent Autonomous Systems
- Autonomous vehicles and robotics (Ocado, Arrival, Amazon Robotics, Dyson)
- Missile/weapons systems, with focus on the navigation subsystem
- Priority 3: Complex Systems with High Assurance
- Aircraft, aerospace, complex hardware/software systems
- High assurance and safety requirements experience
- Academic/research experience delivering complex navigation systems
- Understanding of model‑based systems engineering (MBSE)
Benefits
- The ability to make a measurable difference in the creation of cutting‑edge technology in a rapidly growing start‑up
- Fast‑paced environment with a world‑class, positive, talented, and high‑achieving team
- Merit‑based compensation
- 5% employer pension contribution and pension salary sacrifice schemes
- 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays
- Relocation Support Package
- Team socials
- A variety of perks which evolve frequently: Free Monday team lunch, Cycle2work scheme, Private Medical Insurance, and a yearly voucher for your favourite app
Security clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of some of our work, it would be beneficial for candidates to be able and willing to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this role.
Location
Our office is in Oxford, UK.
Lead Systems Engineer employer: Uncrewed Systems Technology
At Archangel Autonomy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. Our team is composed of talented individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology, and we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong focus on merit-based compensation, generous benefits, and a supportive culture that encourages collaboration and creativity, working in our Oxford office means being part of a mission-driven company that truly values its employees and their contributions.
Contact Details:
Uncrewed Systems Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Systems Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Systems Engineer role you’re after at Uncrewed Systems Technology.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Uncrewed Systems Technology a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Uncrewed Systems Technology.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead Systems Engineer at Uncrewed Systems Technology, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Systems Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Uncrewed Systems Technology a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Uncrewed Systems Technology specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Uncrewed Systems Technology
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Uncrewed Systems Technology, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Uncrewed Systems Technology want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
