Job Title: UAV Technician
Reports to: Head of Engineering
Type: Full time: permanent
Security Clearance requirement: Applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
Location: Bristol
The role is primarily on site in Bristol for most of the working week, with regular field work. A successful candidate should be flexible and comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities can change at short notice.
Role summary
We are seeking a skilled UAS Technician to support research and development efforts on a leading-edge autonomy programme. Day-to-day tasks will include building, integrating, maintaining and improving high quality unmanned aerial systems for defence and security applications.
This is a practical role working closely with engineers to deliver prototypes and development aircraft, while also helping establish the methods, documentation and workshop discipline needed to support production requirements.
Fixed wing piloting and flight test support are a key part of this role. You will be expected to confidently support fixed wing test activity, including preparation, checks, post flight inspection and troubleshooting.
Key responsibilities
• Build, modify, integrate and repair complex UAS platforms, sub assemblies to a consistently high standard
• Complete electrical assembly including soldering, crimping, connector work and cable harness manufacture
• Carry out mechanical fitting, alignment, fastening, bonding and finishing with strong attention to detail
• Perform structured fault finding, complete repairs, then verify and document outcomes
• Support fixed wing flight test activity including aircraft preparation, configuration checks, flight readiness, post flight inspections and in-field repairs.
• Pilot fixed wing aircraft as and when required and appropriate within the regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain tool and equipment registers and keep the workshop organised, safe and fit for purpose
• Manage consumables and spares control, including stock checks and replenishment planning
• Maintain and update bills of materials and parts lists in collaboration with Engineering
• Liaise with suppliers, place orders, track deliveries and manage lead times
• Create and improve build documentation and workshop processes such as
checklists, inspection points and maintenance records
• Use 3D printing to produce fixtures, brackets, enclosures and fit check parts, including suitable post processing and finishing
• Contribute to production readiness by determining assembly methods and best working practices
Essential skills and experience
• Proven hands-on experience building, maintaining or integrating UASs or closely related RC platforms
• Strong ability and confidence flying fixed wing aircraft, with evidence of safe operation and good judgement
• Full UK driving license
• Comfortable supporting fixed wing flight testing and working in a test environment where priorities can change quickly
• Comfortable with working globally for various demonstrations and other work-related campaigns.
• High quality soldering skills and confident use of crimp tools, connectors and harnessing methods
• Strong mechanical fitting ability including alignment, fastening, bonding and careful finishing
• Strong 3D printing skills and a practical mindset for producing useful parts and fixtures.
• Experience managing bills of materials, ordering parts and liaising with suppliers
• Experience maintaining a well organised workshop including tool control and registers
• A quality first mindset with pride in workmanship and attention to detail
• Ability to work primarily on site in Bristol, with occasional flexibility and support activities off-site now and again
• Applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) due to the nature of the work and projects involved.
Desirable skills and experience
• GVC certification, or willingness to obtain it
• Experience with VTOL UAS platforms
• Experience working with PX4/Ardupilot or other common open-source UAS firmware/software packages
• Working knowledge of UK drone law and regulatory framework
• Substantial to fair fixed wing flying experience.
• Proficiency in setup and operation of RF communications systems
• Composite layup skills would be desirable
• Experience creating jigs and fixtures to reduce build variation and improve repeatability
• Strong documentation habit and experience working to controlled processes