Senior Test Engineer, Mechanical Flight Control System

Your Mission

As a Senior Test Engineer - Mechanical Flight Control Systems (all genders), you will be responsible for the development, implementation, and operation of the Primary Flight Control System (PFCS) test environment ("Iron Bird") at VÆRIDION. You will lead a major engineering project with significant cost and program impact, ensuring the successful development of a fully integrated test rig that enables system integration, validation, and certification of the aircraft's primary flight control system. You will work at the interface of mechanical systems, actuation, control, and system integration, contributing directly to the development and certification of electric aircraft.

Test Strategy & System Responsibility

• Take ownership of the test concept and strategy for the Primary Flight Control System (PFCS)
• Define test requirements, architectures, and validation approaches for system-level testing
• Ensure alignment of all test activities with development, safety of flight, and certification objectives

Iron Bird Development (Test Rig Project Leadership)

• Lead the development, implementation, and commissioning of the PFCS Iron Bird test rig
• Define system architecture, interfaces, and functional requirements of the test environment
• Manage the development of mechanical, electrical, and control system integration within the test rig
• Drive supplier selection, coordination, and technical oversight for test rig development (CAPEX project)
• Ensure delivery of the test rig within program timelines, budget, and technical requirements

Test Execution & System Validation

• Plan and execute system-level test campaigns on the Iron Bird
• Ensure reliable, high-quality test data generation and reporting
• Analyse system behaviour and support validation of flight control performance and security
• Support verification and certification activities

Test Asset Ownership

• Own the Iron Bird test asset, ensuring configuration control, readiness, and safe operation
• Establish processes for operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the test rig
• Ensure traceability and reproducibility of test configurations and results

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with flight controls, systems engineering, structures, and test teams
• Interface with design engineers to ensure testability and integration readiness
• Support integration of hardware, actuators, sensors, and control systems

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and uphold a strong safety culture in all test activities
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, especially for complex mechanical systems
• Establish risk assessments, safe operating procedures, and training for test operations

Your Profile

• Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in testing and validation of complex mechanical or aerospace systems.
• Proven experience in developing test rigs or large-scale test environments.
• Experience in leading technical projects with high complexity and impact.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, actuation, and mechanical flight control architectures.
• Experience in system integration testing, ideally in aerospace applications.
• Experience with development of test rigs, Iron Birds, or similar system-level test environments.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, measurement systems, and data acquisition.
• Understanding of certification-driven testing and validation processes.
• Experience managing suppliers and external partners for engineering projects.
• Strong ownership mindset and ability to drive complex projects to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving and system-level thinking skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Fluent in English, German is a plus.

Why us?

Be part of an ambitious team determined to shape the future of aviation. We are an in-office company, but we value flexibility and trust employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work or adjusting hours to accommodate personal commitments.

• Subsidized EGYM Wellpass membership: your (mental) health is important for us.
• Enjoy a subsidized lunch with a 5€ company contribution per meal on office days.
• Become a part of our success with virtual stock options.
• Choose the option that suits your needs: either a free charging station for your electric car or a public transport job ticket as part of the Deutschlandticket.
• Lease a high-quali

We recognize that women and other under-represented groups are often overlooked in our industry. Talent and potential can't always be captured in a checklist.