UAS Mechanical Engineer

Big ideas. Real-world impact. Global opportunity.

At SYOS Aerospace, we’re building the next generation of autonomous systems across air, land, and sea — turning ambitious ideas into technology that works in the real world.

From advanced engineering and R&D in New Zealand to manufacturing scale-up in the UK, our global teams are developing innovative products with real-world impact. As we continue to grow, you’ll have the opportunity to shape our technology and build your career across international teams and projects.

We’re growing fast, taking on bigger challenges, and building technology that matters.

At SYOS, you won’t be sitting on the sidelines. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute, challenge ideas, solve problems, and see your work make a real impact.

We’re looking for an experienced UAS Mechanical Engineer to help shape the mechanical architecture of large, complex uncrewed aircraft weighing 200 kg and above. Working closely with our Senior Mechanical Engineer and New Zealand engineering team, you’ll contribute across the full lifecycle — from design and integration through to testing, verification, and flight trials.

This is a hands‑on technical role where your engineering judgement will directly support the safe, reliable delivery of advanced autonomous aircraft.

• Mechanical design and integration: Develop and refine mechanical architecture, airframes, structures, mechanisms, payloads, and propulsion integration.
• Build and inspection: Carry out and supervise mechanical assembly, strip‑down, inspections, and fault diagnosis.
• Testing and verification: Set up test rigs, instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems to validate structural performance.
• Data analysis: Analyse structural test results and flight telemetry to assess performance, fatigue, and reliability.
• Troubleshooting and improvement: Investigate manufacturing faults, resolve design issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Safety and compliance: Support compliance with relevant UK CAA and MAA requirements, including the CAA Specific Category (S2) framework and DAOS.
• Engineering collaboration: Work with design engineers, technicians, manufacturing partners, and procurement teams to deliver safe, effective, and buildable solutions.

• A degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience designing, integrating, and testing mechanical systems for aerospace, automotive, or other complex platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, maintenance, inspections, and fault diagnosis.
• Experience with test instrumentation, including load cells, strain gauges, vibration sensors, thermocouples, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to analyse engineering or flight-test data using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent software.
• Awareness of UK MAA regulations, DAOS requirements, CAA Specific Category operations, and safety management frameworks.
• Strong troubleshooting, technical documentation, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Experience with composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural repairs.
• Knowledge of heavy UAS propulsion systems, including internal combustion engines, turbines, or hybrid‑electric architectures.
• Familiarity with engine diagnostics, propeller‑engine matching, dynamometer testing, or powerplant test cells.

Many roles at SYOS are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of security clearance may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may…