Lead Engineer - Drone Systems Design

Design and build the drone platform that's revolutionising critical infrastructureinspection. This isn't a design-only role - you'll own the complete journey from CAD toflying hardware, prototyping rapidly in our workshop and refining systems based onreal-world operational feedback.

You will lead the mechanical and electrical architecture of advanced autonomousdrones that are already operating for clients like National Grid. You'll have genuineownership over the technology roadmap, making key decisions on how we integratecutting-edge sensors, electronics, and structures onto drone airframes to deliver oursoftware innovations in demanding environments.

You will provide technical leadership to a talented multi-disciplinary team where yourdesigns transform directly into operational hardware within days. You'll see the tangibleimpact of your work - drones you've built flying real missions across criticalinfrastructure, with a tight feedback loop between field operations and your next designiteration.

What you'll do ● Own the complete mechanical and electrical architecture of our droneplatforms, from initial prototypes through to manufacturable systems for our internal fleet. You'll lead the technology roadmap for both drone design and theintegration team's technical toolset - deciding on CAD systems, testing frameworks, and lab infrastructure.

● Design, build and test complete mechatronic systems in our workshop -integrating sensors, actuators, wire harnesses, networking, and structural components. You'll prototype rapidly using 3D printing and develop designssuitable for small-batch production through CNC machining and bonded assemblies.

● Lead resolution of design issues identified during field operations, drivingcontinuous improvement of reliability through better design and testing processes. You'll plan and execute comprehensive testing programmesincluding vibration, thermal, and EMC compliance, using Python for dataanalysis and sensor evaluation.

● Interface with suppliers on components and assemblies, while managing ourin-house lab and build facility. You'll also line manage engineers within thehardware team (currently 4 people, with plans to expand), fostering theirgrowth as we scale.

What you'll need ● Expert-level proficiency in at least one MCAD package (NX/SolidEdge,Solidworks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar)

● Strong mechanical design skills with understanding of design for manufacturefor both rapid prototyping and small-batch production

● Proficiency in ECAD/MCAD workflow systems for integrated mechanical andelectrical design

● Hands-on experience building mechatronic systems from concept to workinghardware, particularly integrating sensors with their electrical, network, firmware, and configuration requirements

● Python (or similar) proficiency for data analysis and sensor evaluation

● Proven ability to plan and execute hardware testing programmes

Bonus: MEng degree, PCB design experience, EMC design understanding, robotics or autonomous systems background, experience transitioning from R&D to manufacturing.

Mindset ● A pragmatic problem-solver who balances engineering rigour with speed -knowing when to iterate quickly through prototypes and when a design is readyfor production

● A systems thinker who sees how mechanical, electrical, and softwarecomponents integrate

● Hands-on maker who's comfortable with tools and genuinely enjoys buildingand problem-solving as much as designing

● Resilient and adaptable - you thrive on the iterative reality of hardwaredevelopment, learning from field feedback and continuously refining designs

● Self-directed with ability to take ownership of technical challenges and drivethem to completion About sees.ai We're building the operating system for autonomous drone operations, enablingadvanced drones to be controlled remotely. We're a Boeing-backed company operatingone of the world's most advanced BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone systemsfor clients including National Grid.

You'll join a collaborative team at a pivotal moment - transitioning proven prototypes intolow-volume production. You will experience the unique satisfaction of leadingtechnology that combines cutting-edge design with real-world operational impact.