System Design Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer / Architect (C3 & Payload Integration Lead)

Location: Salisbury / Chilmark, Wiltshire (Hybrid: 3 days/week onsite)

Domain: Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Flight Control Avionics, Power Distribution

Clearance: UK SC Cleared or SC Eligible (Day 1 BPSS mandatory)

The Role

Lead the architectural integration of 3rd-party COTS payloads (radios, GPS, AI vision/LIDAR hardware) onto advanced UAV platforms. Operating within fast-paced 4-week agile sprints, this is a hands-on, highly technical role focused on first-principles engineering and physical calculations rather than heavy process documentation.

Core Responsibilities

• Architecture & Integration: Draft Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and logical connection methodologies between 3rd-party sensors, edge processors, and flight control units.




• First-Principles Engineering: Execute calculations in Excel/Python for RF link margins, power distribution budgets, and thermal/mass balances.




• RF & Communications: Evaluate EMC/EMI considerations, optimize antenna placement, and assess radio performance characteristics across Command, Control & Communications (C3) equipment.




• Hardware Review: Review avionics schematics in Altium/KiCad and manage change control through PLM/DDM systems.

Required Skills & DNA

• Experience: 5 to 8 years in fast-paced UAV, robotics, or agile defence SME environments.




• Technical Stack: Strong knowledge of CAN bus, Ethernet, Serial protocols, and C3 radio links.




• Tools: Python/Excel for engineering models; Altium/KiCad (review level); PLM/DDM systems.




• Engineering Approach: You must be a hands-on problem solver driven by physical calculations. Please note: This role is not suited for “paper engineers” reliant on DOORS trace matrices or heavy civil aviation compliance processes (e.g., DO-178C/DO-254).

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