Drone Collaboration Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

University of Exeter - Environment, Science and Economy

Location: Berkshire, Chieveley

Salary: The starting salary will be from £33,482 on Grade E, depending on experience and skill set

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 16th January 2026

Closes: 22nd February 2026

Job Ref: Q12920

This new full-time post is available on a 26 month fixed-term contract.

The role:

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 26-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and ISS Aerospace. The KTP will develop a novel software framework to enable safe, autonomous collaboration between UAVs and ground systems for port operations.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at ISS Aerospace’s premises in Chieveley, near Newbury (RG20 8RT).

Company Information:

ISS Aerospace is a UK-based leader in autonomous uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), specialising in wide-area operations for the energy, defence, security, utilities, and surveillance sectors.

More information about ISS Aerospace can be found at: https://www.issaerospace.com/.

Qualification / skills we require:

• A good degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong technical expertise across autonomy, machine learning-based control, multi-agent systems and Decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people.
• Proficiency in software development, testing and practical application in varied environments.
• The ability to integrate software and hardware using different software architectures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project.
• Regulatory awareness, FMEA principles, and safety case development are desirable but not essential.

Benefits:

• A £5,000 training budget with 10% of your working time dedicated to personal development.
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia.
• The successful applicant will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support.
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career.
• Specific KTP residential training.
• The possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences.

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting:

Prof Prathyush Menon – p.m.prathyush@exeter.ac.uk, University of Exeter; or

Eddie Devine - e.devine@issaerospace.com at ISS Aerospace.