Engineering Manager

UAV / Robotics Location: Near Berkshire Salary: £70,000–£85,000 depending on experience Working pattern: Full-time, predominantly on-site Clearance: Candidates must be eligible for UK SC clearance DV clearance is highly desirable Summary Venn Group is working exclusively with a defence company to recruit an Engineering Manager. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering function. You will be responsible for programme delivery, engineering resources, development processes, suppliers, system builds and test campaigns. This position offers a defined progression route towards Head of Engineering and delegated design authority as the company grows. Key responsibilities Plan and deliver engineering activity across multiple concurrent programmes

Manage engineering schedules, priorities, resources and technical risks

Lead and develop the mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering team

Chair design reviews, gate meetings and build-coordination activities

Present technical evidence and decision packages to the design authority

Manage configuration baselines and engineering change control

Oversee environmental, vibration, integration and flight-test campaigns

Manage specialist suppliers and subcontract manufacturers

Lead the transition from prototypes into low-rate production

Coordinate with software, autonomy, operations, quality and production teams

Support customer reporting, acceptance and programme reviews

Remain involved in technical integration and troubleshooting

Essential experience Degree in engineering or equivalent professional experience

At least eight years’ engineering experience, including three or more within UAVs, robotics, avionics or another hardware-intensive sector

Delivery of complex electromechanical products from concept to operational hardware

Line-management experience or clear readiness to lead an engineering team

Technical understanding across mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering

Working knowledge of software, systems and hardware interfaces

Experience managing several programmes concurrently

Experience operating within a formal design-authority structure

Background within an scale-up environment

Eligibility to obtain UK SC clearance; some programmes may require sole UK nationality

Desirable experience UAV, UAS or UGV engineering

Flight testing or operational trials

CAA or military airworthiness frameworks

Configuration and change control

Environmental and vibration testing

Composites, machining or PCBA suppliers

Low-rate production and design for manufacture

Counter-UAS, RF systems or datalinks

Current or previously held SC or DV clearance

Package £70,000–£85,000 depending on experience

Potential share options

28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Employer pension contribution

Clear Progression towards the Head of Engineering role

Occasional home working where project activity permits

This opportunity would suit an Engineering Manager, Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer or Principal Engineer who combines leadership with practical experience delivering complex aerospace, robotics or electromechanical hardware. Apply with an up-to-date CV for a confidential discussion.