Subject Matter Expert – Hydraulic Systems (UAV)

About the role

EDGE is seeking a senior technical authority to lead the design, development, and integration of hydraulic systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. You will ensure that all hydraulic solutions meet performance, safety, and stringent aerospace regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Define architecture and design hydraulic circuits for flight controls, landing gear, weapon release and actuation systems.
• Produce system requirements, hydraulic schematics, interface control documents (ICDs) and technical specifications.
• Oversee integration with mechanical structures, avionics, and flight‑control subsystems.
• Plan and lead functional, leak, endurance and environmental testing programs.
• Guarantee compliance with MIL‑PRF‑5606, MIL‑STD‑810, DO‑160, AS9100 and other airworthiness standards.
• Support FMEA, certification activities and preparation of regulatory documentation.
• Drive R&D to evaluate advanced hydraulic technologies, improve reliability, reduce weight and increase efficiency.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Fluid Power Systems Engineering (required).
• Master’s or PhD in Hydraulics, Mechatronics or Aircraft Systems Engineering (preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in hydraulic system design and integration within aerospace or defence, with at least 4 years at a senior or SME level.
• Hands‑on experience with UAV, rotary‑wing or fixed‑wing platforms.
• Preferred certifications: INCOSE CSEP and recognised hydraulic system design/analysis certification.

Required skills

• Hydraulic system design and circuit development
• UAV hydraulic applications (flight control, landing gear, weapon release)
• Power pack, actuator, accumulator, reservoir, filter and fluid‑line design
• Hydraulic schematics, ICDs and technical specification writing
• Integration with mechanical structures and avionics
• Functional, leak, endurance and environmental testing
• Compliance with MIL‑PRF‑5606, MIL‑STD‑810, DO‑160, AS9100
• FMEA, certification processes and airworthiness documentation
• R&D of advanced hydraulic technologies