UAV Systems Engineer

Destinus is an aerospace technology company founded under the belief that in the future distance shouldn’t matter at all.

We are therefore building the near-space vehicle and the associated infrastructure. Moving at the border of Space, our hydrogen-powered vehicles are ten times faster than conventional aircrafts, providing the just-in-time backbone for logistics, e-commerce, and supply chain companies who can’t wait.

We define a new class of fast : our mission is to bring instantly your stuff at the other part of the world and we mean it literally.

Job Summary : As a UAV Systems Engineer, you will contribute to the design, development and optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their associated systems, including the Systems and Hardware (HW) definition.

Your role will involve creating comprehensive system and wiring diagrams to guide the integration and assembly process. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to the entire UAV lifecycle from concept to deployment.

Your expertise will be crucial to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of UAV systems.

Tasks

Design and Development :

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to conceptualize and design UAV systems, including airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, and payloads.
• Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed designs and specifications.
• Conduct structural analysis, aerodynamic modelling, and system integration to optimize UAV performance.

Hardware (HW) and Systems Architecture :

• Define the HW architecture of UAV systems, including airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, sensors, and communication systems.
• Develop system-level architecture to ensure seamless integration and interoperability of components.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to establish design requirements and specifications.

System and Wiring Diagrams :

• Create detailed system diagrams depicting the overall UAV architecture, subsystems, and interconnections.
• Develop wiring diagrams illustrating the electrical connections, power distribution, and signal routing within the UAV system.
• Ensure clarity and accuracy in diagrams to facilitate assembly, integration, and troubleshooting processes.

Regulatory Compliance :

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards for UAV design, operation and safety.
• Stay updated on evolving regulations and incorporate regulatory considerations into UAV designs and operations.

Integration and Assembly Support :

• Provide guidance and support to the assembly team during the integration of UAV components and subsystems.
• Verify compliance with design specifications and standards during the assembly process.
• Resolve technical issues related to component compatibility, wiring discrepancies, and system integration.

Work Instruction Preparation :

• Prepare detailed work instructions for assembly, integration, and testing procedures based on design specifications and test plans.
• Document step-by-step procedures, tooling requirements, safety precautions, and quality checkpoints.
• Ensure work instructions are clear, concise, and easily understandable by assembly technicians.

Testing and Validation :

• Develop test plans and procedures to validate the performance, functionality, and safety of UAV systems.
• Conduct system-level testing, including functional testing, integration testing, and environmental testing.
• Analyse test results and provide recommendations for design improvements and optimizations.

Flight Approval Documentation and Obtention :

• Prepare comprehensive flight approval documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and stakeholders to obtain necessary flight clearances and permissions.
• Ensure adherence to airspace regulations and operational restrictions during flight planning and execution.

Documentation and Reporting :

• Maintain detailed documentation of UAV designs, specifications, HW architecture, system diagrams, wiring diagrams, test plans and results.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and technical documentation to communicate design concepts, progress, and findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with technical writers to create user manuals and technical guides for UAV systems.

Collaboration and Communication :

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, and project managers, to achieve project goals.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to convey technical concepts, project status, and requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in UAV Systems Engineering, with a focus on HW and systems architecture definition and preferably in the aerospace or Defence industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX) for 3D modelling and design, creating system diagrams and wiring diagrams would be an asset.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, electrical systems, signal routing and power distribution for UAV subsystems.
• Experience with system integration, assembly and testing processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards for UAV design and operation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with writing SORA's and past interaction with EASA is desired.
• Demonstrable experience in real UAV flight testing would be an asset.
• Demonstrable experience as GCS Operator and External Pilot would be an asset.
• Drone pilot licenses for the civilian (A1, A2 and A3) and military (DUO) segments would be an asset.
• Fluent English Speaker

Note : This job description emphasizes the UAV Systems Engineer's role for the design, development and optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their associated systems, defining HW and systems architecture and creating system and wiring diagrams to guide the integration and assembly process.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in aerospace engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and experience in UAV systems design and development.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential for working within multidisciplinary teams to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of UAV systems.

Benefits

Destinus is an equal opportunity employer : we value diversity in our companies and our teams. We do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, colour, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status

Destinus is at the forefront of European aerospace, and defence technologies, developing AI-driven autonomous flight systems and advanced turbine engines.

Our cutting-edge technologies deliver superior efficiency and performance, pushing the boundaries of supersonic and hypersonic flight.

We're pioneering the next wave of combat-proven defence innovations and breakthrough propulsion systems combining turbojet and ramjet technologies for future hypersonic vehicles with hydrogen propulsion.