Principal Technologist - Uncrewed Systems

Callen-Lenz

Salisbury, United Kingdom

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled Principal Technologist to lead the technical evolution of our cutting-edge UxS platforms. This high-impact role blends strategic thinking, hands-on engineering, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to shape the future of autonomous flight. You’ll drive innovation across avionics, autonomy, systems integration, and flight operations, translating novel ideas into airborne reality. The Role sits as the lead position in Callen-Lenz’s Technology Office.

Responsibilities

Technology Leadership

Define and lead the technology roadmaps for advanced UAS systems and associated avionics across CL.
Maintain and refine the CL Technology Strategy.
Evaluate emerging technologies (for example, AI/ML, edge computing, sensors, multi domain autonomy) and assess feasibility and readiness for deployment.
Coordinate common technology development across engineering disciplines.

Systems Architecture & Integration

Work closely with product teams to guide future full-stack UAS systems architectures in alignment with the CL Technology Strategy.

Research & Development

Perform horizon scanning for new and emerging technologies.
Develop collaborative relationships to progress key technologies with industry, customer groups and academia.
Coordinate aligned technology partnerships held by others within CL.
Initiate and steer internal R&D projects in accordance with the technology strategy.
Have a strategic technology oversight of the R&D portfolio of projects.
Represent the company externally in technical committees, consortia, and industry bodies.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Support business development through client engagement, white papers, and technical bid writing.
Liaise with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Health and Safety

Demonstrate in daily activities a commitment to health and safety in the workplace by always ensuring tasks are performed in the safest possible manner
Report all hazards and incidents that the individual is party to, or observes, in the correct manner.
When required or directed, participate in any health and safety training.

About You

Qualifications

Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Robotics, or related field.

Skills and competencies

Essential

Demonstrable experience in UAS, avionics, or autonomous systems design.
Strong grasp of systems engineering, flight control algorithms, sensor fusion, and autonomy.
Proven track record of delivering technically complex platforms from concept to flight.
Project Management qualification and experience in innovation projects, ideally involving UAS development.