Lead UAV Systems Architect – Autonomous Aerial Platforms

Stark Defence; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Defence seeks a Senior UAV Systems Engineer to own the platform architecture for next‑generation unmanned systems. You will bridge high‑level requirements with deployable hardware, leading system integration, verification, and rigorous testing campaigns to ensure airworthiness and mission readiness.

You will lead cross‑discipline teams across mechanical, electrical, avionics and software, drive safety programs, and manage requirements baselines with MBSE approaches.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Robotic or related engineering field.
• Significant experience with UAVs, autonomous aircraft, or safety-critical aerospace platforms.
• Experience integrating UAS subsystems: power, propulsion, RF/EMC, sensors, datalinks, flight controllers, payload interfaces.
• Proven requirements capture, compliance analysis, and V&V activities; DOORS or similar.
• Familiarity with ARP4754A/ARP4761/DO-178C/DO-254 and configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain system architecture for UAS platforms from concept to deployment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, and flight test teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Create system architecture concepts, trade studies, budgets, and performance assessments.
• Produce ICDs and enforce interface control across subsystems.
• Maintain requirements baselines, safety requirements, and traceability; MBSE use.

Skills

UAS architecture

Systems engineering

MBSE

Interface control

Safety cases

Requirements analysis

Flight test

UK/Europe travel

Education

Degree in Aerospace/Systems/Engineering

Tools

IBM DOORS

Job description

Stark Defence seeks a Senior UAV Systems Engineer to own the platform architecture for next‑generation unmanned systems. You will bridge high‑level requirements with deployable hardware, leading system integration, verification, and rigorous testing campaigns to ensure airworthiness and mission readiness.

You will lead cross‑discipline teams across mechanical, electrical, avionics and software, drive safety programs, and manage requirements baselines with MBSE approaches.