{"id":2616094,"url":"https://alion.io/job/windracers-lead-propulsion-engineer","title":"Lead Propulsion Engineer","company":{"id":53994,"name":"Windracers","domain":"windracers.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/windracers","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"BambooHR","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":83,"open_postings":3,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.667,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"}},"role":"Aerospace","role_family":"Aerospace","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Fareham, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":79000,"max_usd":180000,"period":"year","method":"global_role_cell_scaled_by_country","sample_n":95},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Verification & Validation","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-11T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-05-11","last_verified_at":"2026-10-30T06:51:37Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":172,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":171},"description":"Windracers is looking for a Lead Propulsion Engineer to take technical ownership of the powerplant and propulsion systems for our fixed-wing logistics UAV platforms.\nThis role is responsible for the full lifecycle of propulsion systems, from architecture and integration through testing, production support, and operational reliability. You will work closely with aircraft design, systems, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure propulsion solutions deliver the required performance, efficiency, and reliability in real-world operations. This is a key role within the Engineering team and offers the opportunity to shape the propulsion architecture of a growing UAV fleet.\nResponsibilities/Tasks\nLead the design, development, and integration of aircraft propulsion systems including engines or motors, propellers, mounts, and cooling.\nDefine and maintain the propulsion requirements, configurations and architecture for current and future aircraft platforms.\nWork with airframe, systems, and functional engineering teams to ensure successful aircraft integration.\nManage technical relationships with engine, motor, propeller suppliers.\nEvaluate emerging propulsion technologies and support long-term propulsion strategy.\nDefine propulsion development, verification and validation test strategies including ground testing, endurance testing, and flight test support in line with regulatory requirements.\nInvestigate propulsion-related issues and support root cause analysis and reliability improvements.\nProvide full lifecycle support for propulsion systems during aircraft production and operation, including maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, reliability improvements, and design updates.\nSkills/Knowledge\nDegree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience)\nExperience working with aircraft propulsion systems is highly desirable (engines, motors, propellers, or powertrains)\nStrong understanding of powerplant integration challenges including thermal, structural, and installation considerations on vehicles\nAbility to work across multiple engineering disciplines in a complex aircraft environment\nCapability to lead delivery of new designs within an engineering governance environment\nExperience supporting testing, development, or operational aircraft systems\nExperience managing Engineering Change processes\nPreferred Skills and/or Knowledge\nExperience with UAV or small aircraft development\nFamiliarity with piston engine, hybrid or electric propeller propulsion systems\nQualification Requirements\nRight to work within the UK\nAbility to travel abroad to EU and non-EU territories\nVetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client)","description_format":"text","description_chars":2706,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":[],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Drones & UAVs","Military Drones","Aircraft Manufacturing","Drone AI"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-15T12:16:46Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"GB","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"Licensed UK visa sponsor (Skilled Worker)","filings_12m":null,"filings_prev_12m":null,"green_card_filings_12m":null,"median_offered_wage_usd":null,"route":"Skilled Worker","cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-30T06:20:16+00:00","sources":["UK Home 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