UAV Avionics and Systems Engineer

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus seeks an UAV Avionics and Systems Engineer to shape the avionics, sensors, power, and flight control systems for next‑gen UAVs in a defense‑oriented environment.

You will design, model, and validate HW architectures, create wiring diagrams, ensure regulatory compliance, and support integration and flight testing with cross‑functional teams to meet mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven UAV systems engineering experience, with emphasis on HW and systems architecture.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX) for 3D modeling and diagram creation.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, and power distribution.
• Experience in system integration, assembly, and testing processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards for UAVs.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Experience with SORA/EASA interactions and real UAV flight testing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of UAV systems including airframes, propulsion, avionics, and payloads.
• Use CAD tools to create detailed designs and specifications.
• Conduct structural analysis, aerodynamic modeling, and system integration.
• Define HW architecture for UAV subsystems and ensure interoperability.
• Create detailed system and wiring diagrams for assembly and troubleshooting.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and stay updated on evolving regulations.
• Provide guidance during integration and assembly, and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare detailed work instructions for assembly, testing, and maintenance.
• Develop test plans and perform functional, integration, and environmental testing.
• Prepare flight approval documentation and liaise with authorities.
• Maintain documentation and report progress to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with technical writers on manuals and guides.

Skills

UAV systems

HW architecture

Avionics

System integration

Flight testing

GCS operator

EASA knowledge

Power distribution

Sensor interfaces

Regulatory know-how

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Description

Imagine this... You’re standing in a hangar surrounded by tomorrow’s technology—hydrogen-powered UAVs that move faster than sound and operate just shy of space. As a UAV Avionics and Systems Engineer, you’re not here to follow the manual. You write the manual. You’re the mind behind the nervous system of the machine—making avionics, sensors, power systems, and flight controls talk to each other like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Every wire you route, every interface you configure, and every test you run brings us one step closer to redefining what “fast” means on a global scale. Your desk is a mix of code, cables, schematics, and mission goals—and your work ends with a UAV autonomously slicing through stratospheric altitudes with precision.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission‑critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You will Do

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 UAV systems' performance, functionality, and safety.
• 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

• 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

What You´ll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in UAV systems engineering, focusing on H.W. and systems architecture definition, preferably in the aerospace or Defence industry.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX) for 3D modeling and design and creating systems 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 SORAs and past interaction with EASA is desired.
• Demonstrable experience in real UAV flight testing would be an asset.
• Demonstrable experience as a 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 in English, ideally comfortable in Spanish as well

Who You Are

You’re a systems whisperer. Complex integration? That’s your playground. You instinctively know how avionics, sensors, electrical systems, and software should work together—and when they don’t, you troubleshoot like a pro. You're hands‑on, always ready to dive into a test bench or fine‑tune a wiring harness. You think in interfaces, power flows, data streams, and real‑time diagnostics. You’re not intimidated by uncertainty; you love debugging the unknown. You’re collaborative by nature, fluent in both tech‑speak and plain English, and you know how to bring mechanical, electrical, and software minds together to make magic happen. Most importantly, you want your work to fly—literally.