Senior Systems Engineering Lead

<p><strong>About the role</strong></p><p>Imagine being technical backbone behind Destinus’ unmanned aerial vehicles, owning the system end-to-end and setting the technical direction that turns bold concepts into flight-ready reality. The Senior Systems Engineer is the technical owner of major sub-systems in our UAVs. This role leads the end-to-end technical execution of major sub-system UAV modifications, from early concept and requirements definition through detailed design, prototype manufacturing, system integration, testing, and flight qualification. This position requires strong hands-on technical background, proven leadership in complex aerospace programs, and a clear focus on results, quality, and delivery timelines. The position reports directly into the Chief Engineer for the project. </p><p>At <strong>Destinus</strong>, 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. <strong>Destinus</strong> 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.</p><p><strong>What You´ll Do</strong></p><p><strong>Sub-system Technical Ownership </strong></p><ul><li>Own subsystem-level technical decisions, trade-offs, and design rationale. </li></ul><ul><li>Ensure coherence across UAV subsystems and maintain system architecture and interfaces. </li></ul><ul><li>Own modifications from start to finish, ensuring that they make their way into production and operation. </li></ul><p><strong>Requirements &amp; Vehicle Design </strong></p><ul><li>Lead subsystem requirements definition and management. </li></ul><ul><li>Translate mission, customer, and regulatory needs into verifiable technical requirements. </li></ul><ul><li>Guide aerodynamic design and flight performance, mechanical design and structural sizing, materials selection. </li></ul><ul><li>Drive system-level optimization for performance, weight, cost, reliability, and manufacturability. </li></ul><p><strong>Hands-on Engineering, Prototyping &amp; Manufacturing </strong></p><ul><li>Stay directly involved in prototype manufacturing and assembly. </li></ul><ul><li>Apply strong Design for Manufacturing and Assembly principles. </li></ul><ul><li>Lead prototype builds for structures, avionics, control and EWIS. </li></ul><ul><li>Ensure designs reflect manufacturability, tolerances, and production feedback </li></ul><p><strong>Integration, Testing &amp; Flight Campaigns </strong></p><ul><li>Support system integration across all UAV subsystems. </li></ul><ul><li>Lead continuous integration, SITL and HITL efforts. </li></ul><ul><li>Define and oversee ground and flight test plans. </li></ul><ul><li>Actively support and participate in flight test campaigns, ensuring safe execution and rapid technical feedback loops. </li></ul><ul><li>Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. </li></ul><p><strong>Project Execution &amp; Delivery </strong></p><ul><li>Ensure technical execution meets quality standards and delivery milestones. </li></ul><ul><li>Identify and mitigate technical risks early. </li></ul><ul><li>Maintain strong focus on results, deadlines, and engineering excellence. </li></ul><ul><li>Support program planning with realistic schedules and technical estimates. </li></ul><p><strong>Team Leadership &amp; Collaboration </strong></p><ul><li>Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team. </li></ul><ul><li>Establish engineering standards and best practices. </li></ul><ul><li>Collaborate closely with program management, manufacturing, operations, and partners. </li></ul>