Development Engineer – Aero-Thermal & Powertrain Systems (Germany-based)

About Us

Greenjets is an innovative engineering company developing high-performance propulsion systems for the aviation market. Our work spans research and development, engine production, aircraft systems, technical integration and flight testing. We are committed to delivering high-grade engineering and best-in-class propulsion for unmanned aircraft.

About The Job

Greenjets is seeking a Development Engineer with a strong background in aero-thermal engineering and practical experience working with electric powertrain components, including motors, batteries and motor controllers. This is a senior, hands‑on engineering role based in Germany, intended for an engineer who can take technical ownership of system development from early concept through to production. Support development activities across aerodynamics, thermal management and powertrain integration, ensuring that performance, reliability and manufacturability are addressed coherently. The role requires sound engineering judgement and the ability to balance competing requirements in an evolving development environment.

What You’ll Do

• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, manufacturing and test teams, and act as a key technical interface to suppliers and customers.
• Support the development of powertrain systems with a focus on aero‑thermal performance, including cooling of motors, power electronics and batteries, airflow management and thermal robustness under demanding operating conditions.
• Define and own development plans, requirements and technical trade studies covering performance, efficiency, mass, thermal limits, reliability and cost.
• Use analysis, simulation and test data to guide design decisions and resolve system‑level trade‑offs.
• Support prototyping activities, including definition of prototype configurations, coordination of build activities and rapid iteration based on test results.
• Work closely with test teams to define test approaches, analyze results and drive design improvements.
• Integrate and work hands‑on with powertrain components such as electric motors, battery systems and motor controllers, ensuring that aero‑thermal, electrical, mechanical and control aspects are aligned at system level.
• Engage directly with suppliers, supporting component selection, technical evaluation, development collaboration and the transition from prototype solutions to production‑ready designs.
• Act as a technical point of contact for customers, supporting technical discussions, design reviews and demonstrations, and ensuring that customer requirements are translated into realistic and deliverable engineering solutions.
• Support the transition of developed systems into production, working with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure designs are robust, repeatable and suitable for scale‑up.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience & Attributes

• Experience in aero‑thermal engineering, propulsion system development or closely related fields within aerospace, unmanned systems, motorsport or other high‑performance engineering environments.
• Proven experience with embedded hardware and software development, including system integration, debugging and validation.
• Practical experience working with electric powertrain components such as motors, batteries and motor controllers, and understanding how these components interact at system level.
• Experience developing systems for drones or other aircraft, with a solid understanding of aircraft‑level constraints, integration challenges and rapid prototyping approaches.
• Experience working across the full development lifecycle—from concept and prototype through customer delivery and production—is essential. You will be comfortable working directly with suppliers and customers and taking responsibility for technical outcomes.
• Fluency in English is required; German language skills are advantageous, particularly for collaboration with local suppliers and partners.
• Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to work with export‑controlled technologies in accordance with applicable regulations.
• You will be a pragmatic, delivery‑focused engineer with strong problem‑solving skills, clear communication and the confidence to make sound engineering decisions in ambiguous situations.

Location and Employment

This role is based in Germany, with regular travel to the UK required to support development, integration and testing activities. The position is offered as a permanent role. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and level of responsibility.