Lead UAS Safety Engineer

Evodia Limited; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK is seeking a Lead UAS Safety Engineer to provide expert safety guidance for strategic Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) projects. The ideal candidate will have Chartered Engineer status, SC security clearance, and extensive experience in safety management in high-risk environments. This role involves leading safety improvement plans, developing safety policies, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The contract offers flexible hybrid working from Bristol and a competitive rate of up to £770 per day, with a potential extension until June 2026.

Qualifications

• SC security clearance is required.
• Previous experience supporting UAS projects is desirable.
• Membership in a Professional Safety or Engineering Institute is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert safety advice for strategic UAS projects.
• Lead safety improvement plans ensuring compliance.
• Develop policies to meet corporate safety standards.
• Conduct reviews and inspections for compliance.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

Expert or Practitioner status in System Safety

Leading safety teams in high-risk environments

Understanding of ASEMS and safety management tools

Education

Relevant Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Safety management tools

Job description

Join an innovative defence organisation in Bristol as a Lead UAS Safety Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the acquisition and in-service sustainment of strategic Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), supporting high-profile projects within a dynamic, security-cleared environment. At Evodia Limited, we work closely with our clients to find skilled professionals like you who can bring their expertise into critical defence programmes. If you hold SC clearance and have a strong background in system safety—particularly within the air domain and UAS—this role might be the perfect fit.

What you’ll do:

• Provide expert safety advice and guidance throughout the lifecycle of strategic UAS projects.
• Lead and manage safety improvement plans, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Develop and maintain policies and processes to meet corporate standards for acquisition safety.
• Conduct reviews, audits, and inspections to ensure adherence to UK, EU, and MOD safety legislation.
• Assess safety work, delivering critiques either independently or as part of a team, ensuring technical solutions meet safety and performance requirements.

What we’re looking for:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
• Expert or Practitioner status in System Safety disciplines, with a sound understanding of ASEMS and safety management tools and processes.
• Proven experience leading safety teams in high-risk, high-consequence environments, especially within defence acquisition projects.
• Relevant Level 6 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.
• SC security clearance.

Desirable:

• Previous experience supporting UAS projects, particularly in safety leadership roles.
• Membership of a recognised Professional Safety or Engineering Institute.

Details:

• Location: Bristol with flexible hybrid working (2-3 days onsite per week).
• Contract: Until 30 June 2026, with scope for extension.
• Rate: Up to £770 per day (inside IR35).
• Start date: ASAP.

This is your chance to work at the forefront of defence technology, ensuring the safety and reliability of some of the most advanced UAS. If you’re a recognised safety expert with a passion for aerospace and defence, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. Our client values professionalism, integrity, and collaboration—values that we share at Evodia Limited. We’re here to support you through the application process and look forward to helping you take the next step in your career.