Job Description
The company:
We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech startup - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones.
Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the UAS space.
With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth — and this is a rare opportunity to join at the moment it matters most.
The role:
This is a unique opportunity to build something from scratch within an already successful business. As Head of Engineering, you will establish and scale a new multi-disciplinary engineering function — spanning mechanical, electrical, RF and embedded software — from a small founding team to 100+ people.
Day to day, your engineers will be solving some of the most demanding hardware challenges in the defence sector: designing ruggedised systems that survive hostile electromagnetic environments, building field-ready equipment to exacting operational standards, and developing advanced defence aviation platforms that push the boundaries of what's possible at pace.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is as comfortable diving into a hard technical problem as they are hiring great people, building processes, and setting the vision for a world-class engineering organisation.
What you will do:
* Build and lead a new multi-disciplinary product engineering function, scaling from a small founding team to 100+ people
* Establish the engineering processes, tooling, and ways of working that will underpin the organisation as it grows
* Own the full product development lifecycle — from concept and feasibility through to qualification and volume production
* Take on new product programmes that would otherwise exceed the capacity of the existing engineering team
* Set and maintain a high technical bar across system architecture, mechanical and electrical design, embedded software, and industrial design
* Define and drive manufacturing readiness, supplier strategy, and production test approaches for new products
* Work closely with the senior leadership to align engineering strategy with business priorities
* Progressively integrate existing product lines into the new structure, ensuring no disruption to current customer commitments
* Build an Engineering leadership group — developing the people and culture that will sustain the organisation well beyond any individual contributor
Required experience:
* A proven track record of shipping hardware products from concept through to volume production
* Experience building and scaling large multi-disciplinary engineering teams from scratch
* Strong hands-on technical credibility across one or more of: mechanical, electrical, embedded software, or industrial design
* Solid manufacturing instincts — DFM/DFA, supplier selection, test strategy, and production readiness
* Experience integrating a new engineering function alongside an existing operation
* Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-expectation environments where iteration and delivery are the rhythm
* Experience in defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated and demanding industries is a strong advantage