Lead UAV Robotics & Autonomous Flight Engineer

SR2; Thruxton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SR2 is seeking a Senior UAV Robotics & Systems Engineer to own and advance autonomous aircraft technology. Youll work across UAV robotics, autonomous systems and flight control, integrating Linux-based platforms, ROS 2, and autopilot systems to deliver robust flight capabilities.

Youll collaborate with leadership to develop, test and refine the control systems, hardware interfaces and safety processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and readiness for deployment in demanding defence contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience in UAV/UAS or autonomous aircraft development.
• Strong Linux and ROS 2 experience.
• Knowledge of ArduPilot or PX4 autopilot systems.
• Programming experience in Python and C++.
• Familiarity with MAVLink and UAV communication protocols.
• Experience integrating, testing and troubleshooting complex robotic systems.
• Understanding of aviation regulations and SORA processes.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development across UAV robotics, autonomous systems and flight control.
• Develop, integrate, test and refine the systems underpinning autonomous aircraft.
• Collaborate with leadership to shape technical direction and system readiness.
• Triage and resolve hardware-software interface challenges; support field testing and flight trials.

Skills

UAV/autonomous aircraft

Linux-based systems

ROS 2

ArduPilot/PX4

MAVLink protocols

Python

C++

Testing & troubleshooting

Regulatory understanding (CAA, SORA)

Education

Engineering degree or apprenticeship in STEM

Tools

ROS 2

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

Job description

SR2 is seeking a Senior UAV Robotics & Systems Engineer to own and advance autonomous aircraft technology. Youll work across UAV robotics, autonomous systems and flight control, integrating Linux-based platforms, ROS 2, and autopilot systems to deliver robust flight capabilities.

Youll collaborate with leadership to develop, test and refine the control systems, hardware interfaces and safety processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and readiness for deployment in demanding defence contracts.