Aircraft Concept Design Specialist
Tussenhausen - Germany
Job Summary
Grob Aircraft AG is a leading German manufacturer renowned for its pioneering expertise in advanced composite aircraft structures with decades of experience in developing military training aircraft (e.g. G 120TP) and high-performance lightweight airframes. As we expand our capabilities into next-generation defence platforms including low-observable technology integration for military training systems unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and research demonstrator programs we are looking for an Aircraft Design Specialist to drive the conceptual preliminary and detailed design for next generation LO Aircraft configuration development.
This is a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge aircraft configuration and design expertise within a company with deep roots in composite aerospace manufacturing contributing directly to both national and European defence initiatives. Grob is running a lean development fast design cycles and rapid prototyping to deliver the low observable CA1 Europa. An innovative UCAV concept combining AI and advanced design.
As an Aircraft Design Specialist you will take a leading technical role in the design aerodynamic configuration packaging and structural layout of advanced composite aircraft and unmanned systems. You will bridge conceptual vehicle architecture abd design with Grobs established composite manufacturing excellence to deliver high-performance lightweight and aerodynamically and RF signature optimized aircraft solutions.
In this role you will work across the complete development lifecycle from initial lofting and Outer Mold Line (OML) definition inboard profile development weight and balance a/c sizing to detailed assembly design and structural integration. You will collaborate closely with aerodynamics performance handling qualities stress systems and signature management M&P (RAM/RAS) teams mentor junior engineers and interface with governmental and industrial partners on advanced aerospace projects.
Aircraft Architecture: Conceptual and preliminary design of overall aircraft configurations and layouts. Define overall aircraft configuration and packaging of key systems Engines air intakes exhausts Landing gear Mission systems fuel tanks etc. Develop and maintain 3D master surface models (Outer Mold Lines - OML) and internal structural layouts using advanced CAD suites (Siemens NX).
Aircraft Sizing and Aircraft level trade studies: Support aircraft sizing studies and trade-offs.
Mass Properties & Packaging: Estimate weight and balance. Perform vehicle-level trade studies and weight & balance analyses tracking center-of-gravity (CG) envelopes and optimize space allocations for avionics propulsion and payload systems.
Multi-Disciplinary Design Integration: Work closely with structural design stress aerodynamics flight performance and RAM/RAS Signature engineers weight and balance to balance structural integrity low-weight targets aerodynamic efficiency and signature-reduction shaping requirements. Work close together with all disciplines.
Design for Manufacturing (DFMA): Ensure the design finally will comply with DFMA principles and support the detailed design team to mature the design from conceptual design to preliminary and detailed design.
Customer & Review Boards: Represent Grob Aircraft in technical milestone reviews (SRR PDR CDR) and technical exchanges with defence customers procurement agencies and industry partners.
Prototyping & Testing: Support prototype builds assembly line integration and structural test campaigns (static loads ground vibration testing and flight test airframe modifications).
Education: Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Experience: 10 years of professional experience in aircraft configuration layout sizing packaging overall aircraft performance and sizing or airframe engineering ideally within a military aerospace or UAS context.
CAD & Tool Expertise: Proven expert-level proficiency in aerospace 3D CAD platforms (specifically SIEMENS NX or CATIA V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE) including advanced surface lofting (GSD).
Composite Fundamentals: Deep technical understanding materials load paths aircraft packaging inboard profiles loft design for Aero and LO Signature. Background of composite and techniques used in high-performance lightweight aircraft.
Systems Integration: Demonstrated understanding of vehicle-level aerodynamics and overall aircraft configuration design packaging structural load distribution and load paths propulsion integration landing gear integration intake and exhaust design systems and mechanical routing provisions.
Languages: Fluency in German and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
Prior aircraft design experience on military combat aircraft military training aircraft tactical UAS low observability designs and/or defence demonstrator programs. Experience on jet aircraft and turboprops.
Familiarity with signature-optimized shaping and layout (RCS-driven OML design) and geometric integration of radar-absorbing materials/structures (RAM/RAS).
Working knowledge of civil or military airworthiness certification standards (e.g. EASA CS-23 / CS-VLA STANAG 4671 MIL-STD-1530).
Experience with Loft- and aircraft configuration design in Siemens NX or Caria V5
Experience with rapid preliminary sizing software (e.g. OpenVSP RDS) and scripting/automation tools (e.g. Python MATLAB).
Existing active German or NATO security clearance (or eligibility to successfully undergo the clearance verification process).
German language proficiency (spoken and written) is an asset.
We are a dynamic family-owned company with short decision-making processes and an open-door culture. Enjoy a range of attractive benefits including:
FLYING AT GROB
Fly the GROB G115 in your free time (for PPL license holders)
Access to the GROB TP flight simulator
SECURITY & RETIREMENT
Company pension scheme
GROB accident insurance
Contribution toward occupational disability insurance
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
EGYM Wellpass membership (employee contribution: only 24.90/month)
Subsidized lunch (approximately 50% covered by the company)
Free coffee and water
WORKLIFE BALANCE
Bridge days off with flexible working hours
DEKA working time account
Childcare allowance
ADDITIONAL PERKS
VIP tickets to FC Bayern Munich matches at the Allianz Arena
Employee referral bonus
Long-service anniversary gifts
Corporate Benefits employee discount platform
#LI-PB1 #LI-Hybrid
About Company
Grob Aircraft entwickelt und fertigt seit über 55 Jahren hochleistungsfähige Flugzeuge aus Faserverbundwerkstoffen von Schulungsflugzeugen bis hin zu Sondermissionsplattformen. Über 3.500 Flugzeuge weltweit wurden bereits ausgeliefert.Als Teil von Helsing verbinden wir bewährte Luftf ... View more