Lead Propulsion Engineer

Windracers Ltd; Fareham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Windracers Ltd in Fareham is seeking a Lead Propulsion Engineer to own the powerplant and propulsion systems for our fixed-wing UAV platforms. You will oversee the full lifecycle from architecture and integration to testing, production support and operational reliability.

You will collaborate with airframe, systems, manufacturing and operations teams to deliver high-performance propulsion solutions and shape the architecture for a growing UAV fleet.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with propulsion systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines in a complex environment.
• Experience with testing, development, or operational aircraft systems.
• Experience managing Engineering Change processes.
• Willingness to travel to EU and non-EU territories.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion design, development and integration of engines, motors, propellers, mounts and cooling.
• Define propulsion requirements, configurations and architecture for current and future platforms.
• Coordinate with airframe, systems and manufacturing teams for successful integration.
• Manage technical relationships with engine, motor and propeller suppliers.
• Develop propulsion test strategies including ground, endurance and flight testing.
• Provide full lifecycle support including maintenance, troubleshooting and design updates.

Skills

Propulsion Systems

Systems Integration

Engineering Leadership

Testing & Validation

Thermal Analysis

Engineering Change

Education

Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Windracers is looking for a Lead Propulsion Engineer to take technical ownership of the powerplant and propulsion systems for our fixed-wing logistics UAV platforms.

This role is responsible for the full lifecycle of propulsion systems, from architecture and integration through testing, production support, and operational reliability. You will work closely with aircraft design, systems, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure propulsion solutions deliver the required performance, efficiency, and reliability in real-world operations. This is a key role within the Engineering team and offers the opportunity to shape the propulsion architecture of a growing UAV fleet.

Responsibilities/Tasks

• Lead the design, development, and integration of aircraft propulsion systems including engines or motors, propellers, mounts, and cooling.
• Define and maintain the propulsion requirements, configurations and architecture for current and future aircraft platforms.
• Work with airframe, systems, and functional engineering teams to ensure successful aircraft integration.
• Manage technical relationships with engine, motor, propeller suppliers.
• Evaluate emerging propulsion technologies and support long-term propulsion strategy.
• Define propulsion development, verification and validation test strategies including ground testing, endurance testing, and flight test support in line with regulatory requirements.
• Investigate propulsion-related issues and support root cause analysis and reliability improvements.
• Provide full lifecycle support for propulsion systems during aircraft production and operation, including maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, reliability improvements, and design updates.

Skills/Knowledge

• Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working with aircraft propulsion systems is highly desirable (engines, motors, propellers, or powertrains)
• Strong understanding of powerplant integration challenges including thermal, structural, and installation considerations on vehicles
• Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines in a complex aircraft environment
• Capability to lead delivery of new designs within an engineering governance environment
• Experience supporting testing, development, or operational aircraft systems
• Experience managing Engineering Change processes

Preferred Skills and/or Knowledge

• Experience with UAV or small aircraft development
• Familiarity with piston engine, hybrid or electric propeller propulsion systems

Qualification Requirements

• Right to work within the UK
• Ability to travel abroad to EU and non-EU territories
• Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client)