Design Engineer – UAV Systems

Job description

What we’re looking for We are looking for a hands-on, highly driven Design Engineer to own, lead, and raise the standard of mechanical engineering across our UAV platforms. In this role, you will be the primary technical reference for all mechanical decisions, turning early ideas and prototypes into robust, repeatable, field-ready hardware. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you own the mechanical architecture, drive fast and high-quality iteration from CAD to flight, and shape how mechanical engineering is done as the team grows. The day-to-day Own: Take full technical ownership of mechanical systems for our UAV platforms, from CAD concept through prototype, validation, and series-build readiness. Design: Lead the mechanical architecture: airframe, structure, arms, landing gear, payload interfaces, battery integration, and electronics packaging. Build: Build, test, break, and improve prototypes hands-on, running fast prove-and-move loops instead of long theoretical cycles. Decide: Make clear trade-offs between mass, strength, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, and speed, even under uncertainty. Integrate: Work across electronics, RF, software, autonomy, flight test, and production to solve system-level integration early. Validate: Define mechanical validation and lead root-cause analysis, turning test failures into concrete design improvements. You should apply if you Bring a degree or technical training in mechanical, aerospace, mechatronics, or a closely related field. Have owned mechanical parts and assemblies from concept through testing and production, ideally in UAVs, aerospace, robotics, or complex electromechanical hardware. Master CAD at expert level, ideally SolidWorks, producing clean, production-quality models, drawings, and BOMs quickly. Love to tinker, prototype, and learn by building — working confidently with tools, test setups, and failure analysis. Lead technically, raise the bar around you, challenge weak assumptions, and decide with incomplete information. Know manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, composites, adhesives, and fasteners. Speak English fluently; German is a plus. Nice to haves Drones: Direct multirotor UAV experience: airframes, arms, landing gear, motor mounts, propeller interfaces, or drone battery systems. Structures: Composite design or lightweight structural optimization, plus knowledge of vibration, shock, thermal, or ingress protection. Tinkering: Hands-on passion for RC aircraft, drones, 3D printing, machining, or model making. What we offer Real impact & ownership: Shape high-tech defense systems and take responsibility from day one Mission-driven environment: Work on technologies that matter for European security and sovereignty Competitive package: Competitive salary, EGYM Wellpass, corporate benefits, and equity options aligned with role and level Deep tech environment: Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge drone technology and real operational use cases Grow fast: Steep learning curve for juniors, strategic influence and leadership opportunities for seniors Startup mindset meets defence innovation: flat hierarchies, fast decisions, and space for your ideas. Flexibility: Flexible hours, remote options, and relocation support Strong team: International, driven colleagues and a culture built on exchange, trust, and shared success