Become a volunteer
Want to contribute to the UAS competition?
Find out about opportunities to take part
Volunteer roles in 2027 - apply by 20 Nov 2026:
To apply for one or both volunteer roles at the UAS Challenge, simply write to the UAS Challenge (uaschallenge@imeche.org) with your contact details and either your CV or LinkedIn profile outlining your suitability as a volunteer.
Judges participating in the Fly Off Finals will be provided with accommodation and catering for the duration of their time at the competition, plus reasonable contributions toward your travel.
Applications for UAS Challenge 2027 are open until 20 November 2026 and we look forward to receiving your application
Competition Judges (hybrid role):
Competition judges will provide support to the IMechE UAS Challenge, judging the application of UAS Challenge reviews, innovation of design, application of safety principles and basic design principles for unmanned air systems.
This is a hybrid role that involves reviewing submissions from teams throughout the challenge year:
- Concept Papers (Online, 20 Nov - 11 Dec 2026)
- Design & Development Specification (Online 29 Mar - 23 Apr 2027)
- Business Presentations at the fly-off event (Fly-Off finals at BMFA Buckminster in UK, 28 Jun - 1 Jul 2027)
Judges should be familiar and confident with the application of design lifecycle for manufacture of mechanical and/or aerospace engineering. Judges should have relevant experience in an engineering principle, electrical, software, systems, safety, mechanical or aerospace is preferred with relevant recognition e.g IEng or CEng or equivalent experience.
Simulation Judges (online role):
Simulation judges support the simulation aspects submitted by university teams, reviewing the X-Plane models and corresponding flight test reports relating to adherence to their design, the design iteration process and application of key flight test parameters to perform the mission scenarios hereby played out in the rules.
This is an online role that involves reviewing submissions scheduled for February 27, with judging taking place between February and April 2027.
Simulation Judges should be familiar and confident with the application of design lifecycle and associated involvement of using simulation to gain necessary test evidence. A key requirement is a familiarity of using X-Plane software for aircraft flight. However, if none then this can still be accommodated if you have relevant experience in producing flight test reports and/or requirements.
Simulation Judges should have relevant experience in an engineering principle, electrical, software, systems, safety, mechanical or aerospace is preferred with relevant recognition e.g IEng or CEng or equivalent experience.
BeBenefits for engineers
- Enjoy a week of exciting aerospace engineering action with dozens and teams and hundreds of student engineers.
- Expand your professional network by connecting with fellow aerospace professionals, senior engineers in the MOD, academics, industry partners, and future talent.
- Share your industry expertise and help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional engineering practice.
- Develop leadership and mentoring skills by judging, advising, and providing constructive feedback to teams.
- Enhance your Continuing Professional Development through volunteering activities that demonstrate leadership, communication, assessment, and technical competencies.
Benefits for organisations
- Demonstrate industry leadership by actively supporting one of the UK's leading student engineering competitions.
- Increase employee engagement by allowing engineers to give back to the profession and inspire the next generation of engineers.
- Strengthen your organisation among aerospace, mechanical, systems, and software engineering students.
- Support corporate social responsibility objectives by contributing to STEM education and the development of future engineers.
- Build links with the wider engineering community through collaboration with engineers in industry, academia, and the IMechE.
What our volunteers say
"I have now been involved with the IMechE's UAS Challenge for over four years and been Chief Scrutineer for several events. This has been both interesting and enjoyable, running a small team of dedicated and capable engineers, from a broad spectrum of the aviation world, civil and military. UAS Challenge takes a lot effort to pull together with the IMechE staff, but it is great to see the teamwork, application and technical understanding of the students in designing and building their air systems.
Their enthusiasm and commitment is infectious, as they endeavour to get the aircraft to fly effectively and it is very rewarding to see them complete the mission, having overcome a number of technical difficulties and practical operating issues. I think they all get a buzz out of completing the Challenge as part of their academic studies and learn a lot about regulation, project management, trials and evaluation and operational requirements on the way."
Rod Williams, Principal Consultant, Frazer-Nash and Chief Scrutineer, UAS Challenge
