UAS Technology Demonstrator Manager
// Role Summary
Lead the end-to-end development of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) demonstrators for Airbus Helicopters, driving technology maturation from lab to flight-ready products. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management, and strategic communication to shape the future of autonomous flight.
// Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full lifecycle of UAS technology demonstrators, from concept to flight validation.
- Lead mechanical and electrical integration of novel sensors and communication links.
- Orchestrate complex flight and ground test campaigns for advanced UAS operations.
- Transition technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 7, feeding into the company's R&D roadmap.
- Serve as the strategic interface between project teams and various Airbus Helicopters functions.
- Apply a 'startup' mindset to industrial processes, optimizing lead times and resolving bottlenecks.
// Role Specification
About the Role
Airbus Helicopters is seeking a passionate UAS Technology Demonstrator Manager (f/m) to join a cross-divisional project focused on advancing the future of autonomous flight for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This permanent position is based in either Getafe (Madrid metropolitan area) or Albacete, Spain, and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain, with functional attachment to the Head of Engineering Spain.
Your Working Environment
You will be based at Airbus’s Getafe site or Airbus Helicopters' headquarters in Albacete. Airbus Helicopters is a global leader in civil helicopter manufacturing and a pioneer in the military market. In Spain, we are driving growth through innovation and industrial excellence, collaborating closely with Engineering departments, the Research & Technology Program, and the UAS Program.
Your Challenges
- Demonstrator Lifecycle Management: Lead the end-to-end development of UAS demonstrators, from initial conceptualization and platform selection to final flight validation and data analysis.
- Platform Modification & Integration: Lead the mechanical and electrical integration of novel sensors (EO/IR, Radar, EW) and communication links, coordinating with Design Offices and leveraging COTS customization and rapid fabrication.
- Flight & Ground Test Orchestration: Plan, organize, and execute comprehensive test campaigns, bridging the gap between 'lab-ready' algorithms and 'flight-ready' products. This includes high-complexity trials for Air-Launched Effects (ALE), multi-UAS Swarming, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
- Technology Maturation: Define and execute plans to move technologies from laboratory settings (TRL 4) to flight-representative environments (TRL 7). Drive the transition into formal R&D programs, ensuring each Proof of Concept (PoC) contributes to the AH technological roadmap.
- Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary strategic interface between the cross-divisional project team and AH functions (Flight Test Engineering, Airworthiness, Programs, Industrial) to ensure resource availability and alignment.
- Operational Agility: Navigate complex industrial processes with a 'startup' mindset, optimizing lead times for aircraft modifications and resolving technical bottlenecks.
- Mission Safety & Compliance: Partner with Quality and Airworthiness engineers to define the regulatory pathway and operational envelope for uncrewed tests, ensuring all demonstrations are conducted with managed risk.
Your Profile
- Education: Degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering. A Master's or specialization in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)/RPAS is highly valued.
- Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years in the aerospace industry, with at least 3 years specifically in UAS/Drone companies or autonomous systems startups.
- Demonstrator Experience: Proven hands-on experience with physical prototypes and rapid prototyping cycles. Experience with ALE, multi-UAS Swarming, or MUM-T is a significant advantage.
- Technical Expertise: Deep familiarity with UAS architectures, ground control stations, and uncrewed flight operations, including BVLOS and autonomous mission planning challenges.
- Regulatory Expertise: Good knowledge of the EASA regulatory framework for UAS (Open, Specific, and Certified categories) and experience applying SORA/SAIL methodologies for experimental flight testing.
- Innovation Mindset: A strong desire to bring order to ambiguity in R&D spaces, with resilience for high-speed, agile engineering cycles.
- Strategic Communication: Ability to translate complex technical information and trade-offs for Engineering and Programs management.
- Language: Native or negotiation-level Spanish and fluency in English.
- Travel: Availability for sporadic national and European travel for flight testing plans.
This job requires an awareness of potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity.