Mechanical Engineering Lead – UAV Structures & System Integration (m/f/d)

About the role
As Mechanical Engineering Team Lead, you will take end‑to‑end responsibility for the
mechanical design, integration, and validation
of
UAV platforms and ground systems
. This includes the development of
composite structures
as well as the
mechanical and environmental integration of electronic systems
, such as housings, connectors, mounting concepts, and protection against environmental influences.
You will lead the mechanical engineering discipline across product development, working closely with electronics, software, and systems engineering. In this role, you will build and grow a capable mechanical engineering team, define design standards and processes, and ensure high quality from early concept through integration, testing, and production readiness.
Your responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Team Development
Build, lead, and mentor a mechanical engineering team covering structures, integration, and system-level mechanical design
Act as the primary technical authority for mechanical engineering topics within the organization
Define responsibilities, processes, and interfaces within the mechanical discipline
Ensure consistent engineering quality, documentation, and design ownership
Structures & Composite Design
Define and own mechanical concepts and architectures for
UAV structures
, including composite airframes and structural components
Oversee design and analysis of composite parts, including material selection, layup concepts, and structural considerations
Ensure designs meet requirements for strength, stiffness, weight, durability, and manufacturability
Support the transition from prototype to production-ready composite structures
Mechanical Integration of Electronic Systems
Own the
mechanical integration of electronic systems
, including:
Enclosures and housings
Mounting and fastening concepts
Connectors, cabling paths, and strain relief
Thermal and vibration considerations
Define solutions for
environmental protection
, including sealing, ingress protection, and protection against temperature, vibration, and contamination
Ensure mechanical designs support serviceability, assembly, and maintenance
Integration, Testing & Quality
Drive mechanical integration from component to system level, ensuring proper fit, form, and function
Define and oversee mechanical testing activities, including:
Structural testing
Vibration and environmental testing
Integration and assembly validation
Ensure traceable documentation of design decisions, analyses, and test results
Establish quality standards for mechanical design and verification
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
Electronics engineering on PCB, enclosure, and connector integration
Software and systems engineering on functional and spatial requirements
Manufacturing partners on feasibility, tooling, and production
Contribute to system-level trade‑offs involving weight, performance, cost, and reliability
Your profile
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience
Strong professional experience in
mechanical design for complex technical systems
Proven experience with
composite structures
and lightweight mechanical design
Solid background in:
Mechanical system architecture
CAD design and technical drawing
Mechanical integration and tolerance management
Experience leading or mentoring engineers, or acting as a technical lead
Quality-oriented, structured working style with strong ownership mindset
Fluency in English and strong technical communication skills
Strong Plus
Experience in
UAVs, aerospace, robotics, or high-performance mechanical systems
Experience with:
Environmental protection (IP ratings, sealing concepts)
Vibration and shock considerations
Thermal management for electronics
Familiarity with production constraints and scaling from prototype to series
Exposure to regulated or safety‑relevant industries
What we offer
End‑to‑end ownership of
structures and mechanical system integration
Strong focus on
composites and electronics integration
Close collaboration with electronics, software, and systems engineering
Combination of
hands‑on design expertise and team leadership