Principal Development Technician

About the role

The Principal Development Technician will ensure safe and compliant hangar operations while supporting the development and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This senior position combines hands‑on maintenance, inventory control, and technical integration within a high‑security aerospace environment.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct all hangar activities in line with the Hangar Facility Manual, safety and security protocols.
• Manage UAS inventory, including labeling, packaging, preservation, handling and storage according to company policies.
• Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on UAS platforms, payloads and support equipment, following the Master Maintenance Schedule.
• Maintain accurate aerovehicle logbooks, maintenance records and related documentation.
• Support UAS integration, functional testing and validation of avionics, propulsion and communication systems under engineering supervision.
• Assist in prototype builds, hardware integration and modification activities for development programmes.
• Ensure tools and calibration equipment are maintained, updated and compliant with facility standards.
• Conduct incoming inspections of parts and materials, verify conformity to specifications and keep precise records.
• Follow OEM technical manuals, service bulletins and instructions for maintenance and assembly tasks.
• Participate in internal and external audits to ensure compliance with company, customer and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness and organisation within the hangar and collaborate with engineering, quality, logistics and security teams.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience as a technician in aerospace, unmanned systems or defence environments.
• Hands‑on experience with UAS platforms, avionics, propulsion systems and payload integration.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance procedures, quality systems and safety protocols.

Required skills

• UAS platform maintenance
• Avionics systems
• Propulsion systems
• Payload integration
• Calibration equipment handling
• Inventory labeling and storage
• Logbook and maintenance documentation