Integration Engineer - Hardware & Prototyping

We are looking for a hands-on Integration Engineer to help turn early concepts into working UAV prototypes and integrated systems.

The role focuses on hardware development, prototype assembly and practical testing. You will select and evaluate components, build electronic and electromechanical subsystems, integrate them into aircraft, and investigate issues on the bench and during flight trials.

Working closely with mechanical, electronics and software engineers, you will contribute from initial breadboarding and proof-of-concept builds through to development testing and production handover. You should be comfortable working with incomplete requirements, making practical engineering decisions and refining designs as test results emerge., * Build, integrate and refine UAV prototypes, test rigs and proof-of-concept systems.

• Research, select, source and evaluate components against system requirements, considering performance, weight, power, compatibility and availability.
• Breadboard and prototype electronic subsystems, including power distribution, sensors, communications equipment and control interfaces.
• Produce and modify prototype wiring harnesses, including connector selection, soldering, crimping, routing and labelling.
• Integrate flight controllers, onboard computers, radios, cameras, payloads and propulsion components into complete systems.
• Configure flight controllers and associated equipment using tools such as PX4, ArduPilot and QGroundControl.
• Plan and carry out bench tests to verify interfaces, electrical performance and subsystem behaviour before flight testing.
• Support build-fly-test activities, including aircraft preparation, fault investigation and improvements between trials.
• Diagnose faults across hardware, wiring, power, communications and software interfaces using structured testing and appropriate equipment.
• Work with mechanical engineers on component mounting, packaging, accessibility, cooling and serviceability.
• Contribute to system architecture, interface definitions and practical design reviews.
• Record wiring diagrams, bills of materials, configurations, build changes and test results so prototypes can be reproduced and developed further.
• Work with Verification & Validation and production teams to communicate findings and support the transition from prototypes to repeatable builds.
• Maintain clear task tracking and technical records using YouTrack and other engineering tools.

• Practical experience building, integrating and testing electronic or electromechanical systems.
• Experience with breadboarding, prototype assembly and iterative development.
• Confident soldering, crimping, connector assembly and wiring fault-finding skills.
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, electronic schematics, pinouts and component datasheets.
• Understanding of DC power systems, voltage regulation, current requirements and electrical protection.
• Experience using bench equipment such as multimeters, bench power supplies and oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with common hardware interfaces such as UART, CAN, I²C, SPI, USB or Ethernet.
• A methodical approach to troubleshooting and the ability to investigate faults across subsystem boundaries.
• Ability to document builds, configurations and test findings clearly.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across engineering disciplines and taking ownership of practical integration tasks.

Relevant experience may come from UAVs, robotics, automotive systems, industrial automation or other hardware development environments. Substantial practical project experience is also valued.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• UAV assembly, configuration, maintenance or development flight testing.
• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl and MAVLink.
• Integration of radio links, antennas and IP networks.
• Experience with batteries, motors, ESCs and propulsion systems.
• Integration of cameras, gimbals, video encoders or other payloads.
• Linux and onboard computing platforms such as Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Jetson.
• Python or similar scripting for test automation, equipment configuration and data collection.
• Ability to understand or make small changes to embedded firmware.
• Basic mechanical CAD, 3D printing and fabrication skills for prototype mounts, enclosures and test fixtures.
• Experience preparing bills of materials, wiring documentation and build instructions.
• Field demonstrations, live debugging and operational testing.
• Familiarity with ATAK/BMS or the SAPIENT framework.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days of annual leave
• Study days
• Company events
• Company and personal bonus scheme
• Private health cover
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Cycle to work and Tech salary sacrifice schemes

Application question(s):

• Describe a hardware prototype or integrated system you have personally built. What did you own, and how did you test it?
• Give an example of a hardware or system integration fault you diagnosed. How did you identify the cause?
• What experience do you have with wiring harnesses, soldering, crimping and bench test equipment?
• Have you worked with UAVs, robotics or similar electromechanical systems? Please describe your involvement.
• Can you reliably commute to Farnham GU10, or relocate before starting?
• Are you willing to undergo UK Security Check (SC) clearance vetting if required for the role?
• What is your notice period and salary expectation?

Evolve Dynamics is a UK engineering company specialising in UAV systems, including aircraft, payloads and software. Based in Farnham, we develop mission-specific surveillance and special-purpose aircraft for public services, private security and defence.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together mechanical engineering, aerodynamics, electronics, radio communications and software to develop systems for demanding operational environments.