Head of Vehicle Design & Integration - Defense/Aircraft

Stax Talent is partnering with a defence-tech unmanned aerial systems manufacturer — a company with a long-standing legacy in the sector, developing long-endurance UAS platforms for defence and security missions. Their flagship platform is recognised as best-in-class in its category, and the engineering team works at the edge of what's physically achievable in aerodynamics, GNC, onboard computation and AI-assisted autonomy.

We're hiring a Head of Vehicle Design & Integration to lead the vehicle design team and take full technical ownership of UAS vehicle architecture across current and future platforms, reporting to the Head of Engineering.

The Role

You’ll lead vehicle design and integration from concept to production — ensuring structures, aerodynamics, avionics, EPS, powertrain and payloads come together as a coherent, high-performance, manufacturable aircraft.

What You Own

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team across mechanical design, structures, aerodynamics, stress analysis and integration
• Own vehicle architecture and configuration, ensuring compliance with EU 947/SORA and STANAG 4703
• Define mechanical design principles, structural architecture, materials and load paths
• Manage vehicle-level interfaces across all subsystems
• Lead multidisciplinary trade-offs on mass, power, packaging, thermal and manufacturability
• Oversee aerodynamic design, CFD and flight mechanics for performance and controllability
• Lead CAD design, drawing release and approval
• Direct structural analysis and verification, including FEA
• Support prototype integration, flight testing and root-cause investigations
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing on producibility and quality
• Mentor and grow the team, supporting recruitment and capability development

What You Bring

• MSc/PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• 7+ years in aircraft structures, vehicle design and/or UAV development
• Strong mechanical/structural design background — CAD, composites, structural analysis, FEA
• Solid grounding in aerodynamics, CFD, flight mechanics and aircraft performance
• Understanding of avionics, EPS, powertrain and payload integration
• Experience with aircraft manufacturing, integration, testing and non-conformity resolution
• A track record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams with full vehicle-level ownership
• Fluent in German and English

Why This Role

Evolve platforms already proven in the field while shaping next-generation airframes built for endurance, efficiency and reliability. Real technical ownership, close ties with research institutions, and a direct hand in the future of autonomous aviation.

This search is being run on a confidential basis by Stax Talent, specialist deep tech and defence executive search.