Senior UAV Systems Engineer

About the role

Stark is seeking a senior technical leader to drive the development of a next‑generation Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). You will own the platform architecture, ensuring mechanical, electrical, avionics and software subsystems work together safely and efficiently from concept to field deployment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead system‑level design, integration and verification for UAS platforms, maintaining overall architecture coherence.
• Produce system architecture documents, trade studies, mass/power/link budgets and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Manage requirements baselines, safety analyses (PHA, SHA, SSHA) and FMEA/DFMEA activities using tools such as IBM DOORS and MBSE methods.
• Coordinate payload integration and custom hardware/software interfaces with internal teams, suppliers and customers.
• Oversee change control, configuration management and support live flight‑test campaigns, resolving cross‑disciplinary technical issues.

Required profile

• Degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Robotics or related engineering discipline.
• Significant experience in systems engineering for UAVs or safety‑critical aerospace platforms.
• Proven track record in requirements capture, compliance analysis and verification/validation activities.
• Familiarity with aerospace safety/airworthiness standards (ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO‑178C, DO‑254).
• Eligibility for UK defence security clearance.

Required skills

• IBM DOORS or equivalent requirements management tool.
• Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and interface control processes.
• Hazard assessment methods (PHA, SHA, SSHA) and failure analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).
• Knowledge of GNSS/INS flight controllers, EO/IR sensors, datalinks, RF/EMC, power distribution and propulsion systems.
• Configuration management and change control in regulated environments.