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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Principal Systems Engineer - **Company:** Collins Aerospace - **Location:** Wokingham, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Computational Fluid Dynamics, Code Generation, Data Dictionary, Software Debugging, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, MATLAB, Software Requirements Analysis, Stateflow, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Test Data, Data Server Interface, SC Clearance, Lidar, Software Version Control, GNSS - **Published:** July 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=c8bd17dec01174f5 ## About the Role Strong UAS Modelling & Control Background: * Expert in MATLAB / Simulink, including Stateflow, projects (requirements, version control, data dictionaries, test harnesses) and RTW / code generation for embedded processors. * Proven experience designing and validating 6-DOF dynamic models and simulation model test harnesses. Unmanned Systems & Avionics Integration Experience: * Hands-on UAV Flight Control Computer (autopilot) / FMS integration and validation, ideally full lifecycle. * Experience defining and implementing onboard data interfaces (e.g. CAN, serial, Ethernet) and working with technical/system/wiring diagrams. * Experience integrating and testing UAS payloads and sensors (EO/IR/EW/LIDAR etc.) and comms/RC/datalink systems, including RF cabling. Control, Navigation and A-PNT Expertise: * Demonstrable experience with A-PNT sensor sources for stabilisation and control. * Proven ability to create and deploy GNSS-denied / contested resilient guidance and navigation algorithms. Verification, Test and Analysis Skills: * Proficient in SIL / HIL test design and execution tied to 6-DOF models and Iron Bird / bench test setups. * Strong in test data processing and automated analysis scripts, and experimental flight testing including in-flight control tuning and basic flight dynamics system ID. * Significant experience with FMEA / FHA and implementation of redundancy and safety architectures for unmanned systems. Systems Architecture & Leadership: * Experience designing complex unmanned control system architectures from base requirements and CONOPS, including flight-critical information pathways. * Modelling & Simulation team leadership/management experience and a clear willingness to train and mentor more junior engineers. Software & Technical Skills: * Proficient in C/C++ for APIs and embedded applications. * Familiarity with CFD outputs and their application to 6-DOF models. Soft Skills & Eligibility: * Strong team player with solid customer/stakeholder-facing presence; able to maintain cohesion under pressure. * Eligible for SC security clearance (or already cleared). * Valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restriction. ## Description * Lead the modelling & control discipline for unmanned systems, acting as technical leader and mentor for a growing team. * Turn customer needs into system requirements and architectures, using Model-Based Systems Engineering to drive and verify design decisions. * Develop high-fidelity 6-DOF models and flight-critical control/autonomy algorithms (guidance, mission tasking, GNSS-denied navigation, payload/sensor/comms models). * Build and run integrated simulation and HIL/"Iron Bird" environments, bringing together models, control laws and embedded code for V&V and system integration. * Implement and integrate control & autonomy code on embedded systems, defining data links, comms interfaces and human control interfaces for operators. * Plan, support and participate in flight tests, trials and demonstrations, including live tuning and simulation-backed test scenarios. * Analyse flight/test data and resolve issues, using rapid analysis tools for debugging and fault-finding in lab and field environments. * Own technical quality, risk and compliance, including work with export-controlled technologies (e.g. US ITAR). Travel & Work Environment: * Regular UK and occasional international travel for trials, integration and customer demonstrations. * Mix of office, lab, hangar and outdoor test range work, including time at remote or secure sites during campaigns. ## Related Videos - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)