SYOS is a pioneering company focused on developing industry leading utilitarian autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea. The SYOS family of utilitarian vehicles leverages SYOS’ advanced, proprietary control system, which offers cutting‑edge autonomous capabilities. We are expanding our UK presence for engineering and production of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
Location
Remote / Hybrid, UK Based
Travel: On site as required. Travel around UK, including South England and Wales.
Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly qualified Air Vehicle Design Lead who will serve as our Head of Design Organisation (HoDO) for our UAS in the UK. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring all SYOS UAS activities in the UK are carried out effectively while meeting the highest standards of airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
The Air Vehicle Design Lead (UK) will lead our Design Organisation Approval (DOA) in compliance with UKMAARA 1014. Civil DOA may also be required in the future. Following successful DOA, you will hold full accountability for the supervision and control of all UAS activities undertaken within our UK approved Design Organisation, ensuring compliance with applicable airworthiness codes and our approved Design Organisation procedures.
Job Responsibilities
* Lead SYOS’ UK Design Organisation Approval (DOA) in accordance with RA 1014 and RA 5850
* Supervise and control all UAS/UAV activities undertaken within SYOS’ UK approved Design Organisation, including engineering, production and sustainment/repair
* Represent SYOS’ Design Organisation to the UK MAA and CAA
* Provide technical leadership and guidance to efforts to optimise air vehicle performance, while ensuring that designs are scalable and cost-effective to manufacture
* Implement rigorous testing and quality control to ensure product safety and reliability, in accordance with regulatory requirements and SYOS’ quality management system
* Ensure seamless integration of software and autonomy algorithms into UAS
* Build high‑performing teams with the expertise needed to support the company's growth
* Create a collaborative, innovative and effective working environment
Key Requirements
* Bachelor/Master level degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
* 8+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle development, including at least 3 years in a senior design or certification role within an approved Design Organisation
* Demonstrable knowledge of UK military and civil airworthiness regulations, aerospace standards, aviation safety principles, and continuing airworthiness practices
* Strong technical background in design, integration, regulatory approval and compliance for autonomous systems (UAS or similar platforms)
* Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software systems integration, as well as configuration management
* Proven experience taking complex products from concept through to production
* Excellent leadership, team‑building, and mentoring skills
What We Offer
* A dynamic and fast‑paced environment working on state‑of‑the‑art UAV technology
* Opportunities for career growth in an innovative team
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Continuous learning opportunities
Security Clearance
This position requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance. Eligibility for SC clearance typically requires continuous UK residency for at least 5 years, and the ability to pass government background checks conducted by UK Security Vetting (UKSV). During the recruitment process, we only ask questions to confirm your eligibility to apply for clearance. We do not collect personal or sensitive information used in the clearance process itself.
All applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
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