At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and run a cutting-edge lab, integrating innovative UAV systems for UK customers.
- Company: Fast-growing defence-tech company with a mission-first mentality.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where experimentation and ownership are encouraged.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, solving real-world problems and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience; hands-on skills with UAVs and robotics.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
You are the hands-on engineering presence in the UK. You stand up the UK lab, integrate Xtend systems for UK customers, execute customer-funded development locally, and resolve issues in the field. This is a builder-operator role spanning bench work, field work, software, and customer-facing engineering. The candidate who thrives here wants to build a lab from an empty room and put systems into operators' hands.
Core responsibilities
- Stand up and run the UK lab from a blank room – bench, tools, test rigs, secure storage, configuration control. Specify it, source it, build it.
- Integrate, configure, and test Xtend UAV and unmanned systems against UK customer requirements.
- Execute customer-funded development tasks and modifications in the UK, with international engineering teams as your peer-level backstop.
- Support delivery, demos, training, and field events – bringing genuine technical depth on the ground, not just briefings.
- Own first-line technical troubleshooting on UK-deployed systems. When the call comes in, you respond.
- Run the UK technical asset register, firmware and software baselines, and integration records.
- Feed UK field learnings back into the global engineering roadmap.
- You are engineering's eyes and hands on the customer side.
Requirements
- BEng / BSc or equivalent in electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, robotics, or related engineering discipline. Strong self-taught engineers will be considered.
- 3-7 years hands-on engineering on UAVs, robotics, embedded systems, or comparable hardware-software products.
- Genuinely bench-capable: soldering, harnessing, debug, configuration, basic mechanical work. Comfortable with the kit, not only the documentation.
- Software literacy – Linux, scripting, basic networking, comms protocols.
- Able to work with engineering teams as a technical peer. Multi-disciplinary mindset.
- Fluent English; right to work in the UK.
- Strong advantage: UAV / counter-UAS / UGV experience, RF and comms familiarity, CAA / Article 16 awareness, ex-military technician background.
Environment and expectations
Xtend UK is a fast-growing defence-tech company. Pace is high, structure is being built, and ownership is real. You will be expected to contribute beyond the formal scope of your role. Team members support each other to execute the mission successfully. Mission-first mentality. We are building capability that ends up in the hands of operators – that comes before process and hierarchy. This role is about experimentation, rapid iteration, and field problem-solving as much as it is about formal engineering process. Lab build-out and tooling decisions are yours to drive – this is engineering from a blank room outwards. Field troubleshooting and customer-facing technical support sit alongside bench and integration work. The role is multi-disciplinary by design. Execution speed matters. We operate with urgency, high ownership, and a strong bias toward action.
Technical Engineer in Swindon employer: Xtend
Xtend UK is an exceptional employer for a Bid Manager, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the success of high-stakes defence contracts. With a mission-first mentality and a culture that prioritises teamwork and ownership, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate while navigating the fast-paced landscape of defence technology. The opportunity to shape winning narratives and lead cross-functional teams ensures that every day is both challenging and rewarding, making Xtend UK a standout choice for those seeking meaningful employment in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Engineer in Swindon
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Xtend, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Engineer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Xtend specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xtend
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Xtend, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Xtend value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
