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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Systems Engineer - **Company:** AALTO - **Location:** Farnborough, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £67,878.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Data Integrity, Fault Tolerance, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Network Protocols, OpenGL, Software Architecture, Satcom, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User-Centered Design, Jama (Software), Network Routing, Real Time Systems, DOORS (Software), Software Verification, System-level Testing, Information Technology, DO-178B - **Published:** August 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5858904403 ## About the Role * Proven experience in software systems engineering, preferably in aerospace or UAV domains. * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. * Hands-on experience with onboard software development and ground control systems. * Proficiency in network protocols (TCP, UDP), datalink technologies, and real-time systems. * Familiarity with ARINC 661 standards for cockpit display systems is highly desirable, along with experience using OpenGL or similar graphics libraries for rendering real-time visual interfaces. * Familiarity with aviation standards (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761). * Experience with Systems Engineering tools (e.g., JAMA, IBM DOORS) and MBSE methodologies (desirable). * Knowledge of UAV operations, safety standards, and regulatory frameworks. ## Description We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join the team leading the development of the Zephyr High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). In this role, you will play a key part in designing, developing, and integrating software systems-focusing on ground control and onboard software to enable seamless communication, control, and mission execution. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable, and compliant software solutions that meet high standards for performance, safety, and regulatory compliance Responsibilities to include: * Lead the integration of onboard and ground-based software systems, including Flight Management Systems (FMS), Flight Deck interfaces, and mission control applications. * Design and implement ground systems for UAV control, including datalink management, Satcom Systems, network routing (TCP/UDP), and real-time telemetry processing. * Define and integrate the Flight Management System (FMS) capabilities tailored for long-endurance UAV operations, including autonomous navigation, mission planning, and contingency handling. * Develop and refine intuitive HMI solutions for UAV operators, ensuring situational awareness, mission control, and safety-critical feedback through user-centred design principles. This includes developing interfaces for mission planning, flight control, and telemetry visualisation. * Establish and maintain software architecture for mission-critical systems, ensuring modularity, scalability, and fault tolerance. * Gather, evaluate, and manage software requirements to ensure they are traceable and consistently aligned with overarching system goals. * Conduct and contribute to software-focused design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), ensuring alignment with system architecture and mission needs. * Develop and execute software verification and validation plans, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and system-level testing. * Ensure software systems comply with aviation standards such as ARP4754A, ARP4761 and DO-178C and support certification efforts. * Identify and mitigate software-related risks, including cybersecurity, data integrity, and operational reliability. * Act as a liaison between software teams and systems engineering, ensuring cohesive integration across avionics, payload, and ground systems. * Maintain comprehensive documentation of software designs, test results, and integration procedures. ## Related Videos - [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) - [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) - [Reality and Beyond: Coding a Drone Using {Unity 3D .NET} and ChatGPT AI!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/702-reality-and-beyond-coding-a-drone-using-unity-3d-net-and-chatgpt-ai) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)