Job Description

Role Overview

The Embedded Systems Lead is responsible for the design, development, and long-term evolution of Windracers' avionics systems. This includes setting the technical vision, defining the architecture, overseeing implementation, and ensuring all embedded solutions support both short-term customer requirements and the company's long-term strategic roadmap.



The Embedded Systems Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our avionics, embedded systems, and associated products meet market needs, scale efficiently, and align with Windracers' low-cost, high-reliability business model.



This role involves both high-level technical leadership and hands-on engineering, supported by close collaboration with avionics, systems, software, mechanical, and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Development

Own the concept, architecture, and design of all avionics and embedded systems used across Windracers platforms. Develop products that are robust, scalable, mass-producible, and cost-optimised. Ensure all systems and designs support Windracers' low-cost business strategy without compromising safety or reliability. Drive cross-functional collaboration within the wider engineering team to achieve technical and programme objectives.

Certification & Compliance

Support product qualification activities to aerospace standards such as DO-160, DO-254, and related test regimes. Ensure system compliance with regulatory frameworks including SORA. Support environmental qualification requirements (e.g., IP68).

Roadmap & Planning

Develop and maintain a multi-year embedded systems roadmap aligned to the business plan and resource availability. Oversee task planning, prioritisation, and execution within the embedded systems function. Ensure timely delivery of milestones, balancing technical ambition with operational constraints.

Testing, Integration & Operations

Support flight testing, field trials, and platform integration activities for UAVs and subsystem prototypes. Assist the Manufacturing team with avionics-related production and troubleshooting. Lead or contribute to research and development workstreams advancing the capabilities of the platform.

Leadership & Collaboration

Act as a visible technical leader and advocate for Windracers' mission and technology. Work directly with the Engineering leadership team to align embedded system goals with commercial strategy. Mentor, coach, and develop internal team members and maintain a succession plan. Coordinate with external partners, suppliers, and contractors to augment internal capability where beneficial.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Education

2:1 or higher in a STEM discipline. 3+ years relevant industry experience in electronics, embedded systems, or avionics engineering. Demonstrated track record of delivering complex hardware/software solutions in aerospace, UAVs, robotics, or other high-reliability domains.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of electronics design, prototyping, and productization. Experience with:

o SPICE circuit modelling and simulation



o Component selection and schematic capture



o Multi-layer PCB design for high-reliability applications



o EMC/EMI-aware design techniques



o Altium Designer (preferred but not required)


Some complementary knowledge of embedded software development in C/C++, ideally for STM32 microcontrollers or similar platforms (preferred but not required). Experience with Python or other scripting languages for tooling, testing, or automation. Hands-on practical skills (soldering, cable assembly, prototype bring-up).

Mindset & Attributes

Proven problem-solving ability with a track record of delivering under pressure. Strong communication, documentation, and presentation skills. Proactive, organised, and comfortable leading multidisciplinary engineering activities. Passion for aviation, autonomy, and advanced aerospace technologies. UAV industry experience and flight-testing exposure highly desirable. * Willing to work in the defence sector and undergo background/security checks as required.