Senior Aerospace Design Engineer (UAV Development)

DeltaQuad; Duivendrecht; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Flexible working hours

Travel reimbursement

Pension plan

Lunch provided

Team activities

Coaching and growth opportunities

Job summary

DeltaQuad is seeking an experienced Aerospace Design Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation UAV platforms. You will translate operational requirements into innovative aircraft concepts and drive them from concept to prototype.

You will apply expertise in aerodynamics, CFD, and flight performance analysis to create high-performance, reliable airborne systems. The role offers a collaborative, high-tech environment with opportunities for hands-on prototyping and testing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in aircraft design, UAV development, or aerospace engineering.
• Experience designing aircraft or UAV platforms from concept through prototyping.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance.
• Portfolio showcasing relevant UAV, aircraft, or aerospace design projects.

Responsibilities

• Designing new UAV and aircraft platforms from concept to prototype.
• Developing both small and large aircraft configurations.
• Translating ISR and mission requirements into aircraft designs.
• Performing aerodynamic analyses and performance optimization.
• Developing and validating new design concepts.
• Supporting prototype development and testing activities.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Flight mechanics

CFD

Stability & control

Aircraft performance

Tools

CATIA

XFLR5

ANSYS

SimScale

Fluent

Star-CCM+

Job description

DeltaQuad is looking for an experienced Aerospace Design Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation UAV platforms. This role is focused on creating new aircraft concepts from the ground up, translating operational requirements into innovative and practical aircraft designs.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in aircraft design, aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and flight performance analysis. Ideally, aviation is not just your profession but also your passion. Whether through model aircraft, RC aviation, drone projects, or personal aerospace initiatives, you genuinely enjoy designing and improving flying vehicles.

The Challenge

As DeltaQuad continues to expand its UAV portfolio, we are looking to strengthen our expertise in aircraft design and aerodynamic development.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing new UAV and aircraft platforms from concept to prototype

• Developing both small and large aircraft configurations

• Translating ISR and mission requirements into aircraft designs

• Performing aerodynamic analyses and performance optimization

• Developing and validating new design concepts

• Supporting prototype development and testing activities

Within your first 6-12 months, you will work closely with Product Management and Business Development to develop multiple aircraft concepts and bring at least one design into the prototype phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new UAV and aircraft platforms

• Conduct aerodynamic analyses and CFD simulations

• Evaluate and optimize aircraft performance, stability, and control characteristics

• Perform airflow, lift, drag, and flight performance calculations

• Develop propulsion and power system analyses

• Create detailed CAD designs and engineering documentation

• Support prototype manufacturing and flight testing

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Contribute to the long-term aircraft roadmap and future platform concepts.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 5+ years of proven experience in aircraft design, UAV development, or aerospace engineering.

• Proven experience designing aircraft or UAV platforms from concept through prototyping.

• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance.

• Portfolio showcasing relevant UAV, aircraft, or aerospace design projects.

Technical Expertise

• Aerodynamics and flight mechanics.

• Aircraft conceptual design.

• CFD and aerodynamic analysis.

• Stability & control analysis.

• Performance, power, and propulsion calculations.

Software

• CATIA.

• XFLR5.

• ANSYS.

• CFD tools such as SimScale, Fluent, or Star-CCM+.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks.

• Composite materials, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping.

• UAV and VTOL aircraft development.

• Sensor integration and ISR platforms.

• Hands-on UAV building experience.

• Active involvement in the model aircraft or drone community.

What we offer

• Work in an innovative, high-tech environment with real-world impact.

• A competitive salary.

• 27 vacation days (based on full-time).

• 38-hour workweek with flexible working hours.

• Travel reimbursement of €0.25/km or full compensation for public transport (2nd class).

• Excellent pension scheme through the PME pension fund.

• Open, informal company culture where your ideas are valued.

• Lunch provided by DeltaQuad, monthly team drinks, and regular team activities.

• Coaching and professional growth opportunities.

Please note that, as part of our recruitment process, we may request a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and conduct a background screening in accordance with our screening policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation throughout this process.