Technology and System Development Engineer - #1717043

Job Title: Senior R&D Engineer – UAV Systems Location: Leeds (Full-Time, On-Site)

Salary: £60,000 – £80,000 (Depending on Experience)

Reporting To: Head of Engineering

AssetCool is an rapidly growing technology company transforming the energy infrastructure sector through advanced robotics and materials science. Our robotic coating systems increase power line capacity by up to 30% at a fraction of the cost of traditional upgrades—delivering measurable impact for grid operators across the UK, Europe, and North America.

To extend our technological leadership, we’re now investing in next-generation UAV systems to support aerial deployment, inspection, and automation tasks as part of our broader robotic ecosystem. This role is your opportunity to shape the future of autonomous aerial systems at the interface of R&D and real-world engineering.

We are looking for a Senior R&D Engineer – UAV Systems to lead the design and development of UAV platforms for high-performance, field-deployable applications. You’ll take full ownership for the design of the aircraft, its architecture and subsystem integration—from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and refinement.

This is not a theoretical role—you’ll be designing and building aircraft to solve real customer challenges , from autonomous inspection to robotic delivery systems. Field testing, iteration, and innovation will be central to your work.

Build the UAV Project and Team : This is a foundational technology and leadership role and you will be initiating it against product specifications.

Design from First Principles: Own UAV platform architecture—including structure, aero, propulsion, power systems, and onboard sensors—driven by mission requirements and performance constraints.

Prototype and Test: Rapidly develop, build, and test platforms in a lab and field environment. Adapt designs based on flight data and user feedback.

Multidisciplinary Integration: Collaborate with electronics, software, and robotics teams to integrate communications, autonomy modules, and mission payloads.

Field-Focused Innovation: Design for harsh operating environments (e.g., high EMI, remote areas, low infrastructure) and ensure robustness and reliability.

Performance Optimisation: Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with robotic systems engineers, project leads, and operational staff to ensure designs meet customer needs and integration goals.

Broader Robotic Ecosystem Integration : integrate the UAV platforms into the broader robotic ecosystem of AssetCool.

5+ years of experience in UAV design and development, preferably from clean-sheet concept to functional prototype.

~ Strong practical experience with CAD tools , 3D printing, and rapid prototyping techniques.

~ Proven ability to lead and deliver across the full lifecycle of an R&D hardware project.

~ Experience with data-driven design , flight testing, and performance analysis.

~ BEng/MEng/MSc in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.

Experience with RC aircraft or custom UAV builds (rotary, fixed-wing, or VTOL)

Python, MATLAB or C++ for modelling, control, or analysis

Exposure to machine vision, autonomy, or advanced payload systems

Be at the cutting edge of UAV design , building technology that directly contributes to global energy resilience.

Join a high-impact R&D team developing real systems for real field deployment —no bench-only work.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or any specific requirements that require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.