Job Description:

In order to support the design and integration of airborne electronic reconnaissance and self-protection systems and supervise the development through the entire life cycle, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a

Systems Engineer - Autonome Systeme & UAV-Prototyping (d/f/m)

As a Systems Engineer, you are responsible for establishing, operating, and further developing the Autonomy Lab – an internal prototyping and service platform for autonomous UAS algorithms. You will accompany the technical development throughout the entire system lifecycle, from requirements analysis and system architecture through software and hardware integration to flight test execution and demonstration to internal clients and external stakeholders. In this role, you will represent Airbus DS in international research programs and coordinate interfaces with consortium partners.

Your location

Located about an hour’s drive north of Munich, Manching is an up-and-coming market town that offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. Here, you can enjoy the quality of life in the countryside while the pleasures of near-by cities are still within easy reach.

Our Benefits for You

• Fair Compensation & Extras: Attractive remuneration and individual additional benefits, such as company pension schemes, mobility offers (e.g., bike leasing), or corporate discounts with partner companies in accordance with our current guidelines.
• Time for You (and Your Loved Ones): 30 days of annual leave based on our collective agreement (35-hour week); work-life balance through flexible working hours (flextime), mobile working, part-time options, job sharing, and sabbatical opportunities.
• Growth Made Easy: Excellent professional development opportunities and international, group-wide career perspectives.
• Feel Good at Work: On-site company doctor; comprehensive health programs (sports courses, preventive care, etc.), canteen and cafeteria, and local childcare facilities at selected locations.
• Diversity Connects: Work in a diverse environment with more than 140 nationalities, where exchange, mutual support, and inclusion are part of our DNA.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Technical leadership and further development of the Autonomy Lab as an internal service platform for algorithm prototyping and demonstration; coordination and execution of contract work for other departments (MUM-T, Combat Algorithms, AI-based Systems).
• System architecture and requirements management according to Systems Engineering methodologies (SysML, NAFv4, Enterprise Architect); creation of Interface Control Documents (ICD).
• Hardware responsibility: procurement, integration, and operation of UAV platforms and embedded systems (PX4, Jetson, Raspberry Pi, data links).
• Software development for mission management, ground control stations, and simulation environments (Python, C++, ROS2, STANAG 4586/4676/4609).
• Planning and execution of flight tests; technical coordination with internal departments and external project partners.
• Technical Point of Contact in multinational EU research projects (consortium coordination, international project meetings, deliveries).
• Supervision of students and doctoral candidates as part of laboratory activities.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Completed Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable technical field of study.
• Experience in Systems Engineering and system architecture (requirements management, ICD creation, V-Model or comparable).
• Knowledge in the development of autonomous UAS systems (hardware integration, mission software, simulation, flight tests).
• Programming skills in Python and/or C++; experience with ROS2 is