About this role
Engineers who thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where physical prototypes move rapidly from concept to field testing will find a natural home in this role. Helsing is hiring a Deployed Hardware Engineer in Munich to sit at the intersection of mechanical design, electrical integration, and hardware iteration for advanced drone platforms.
Working alongside design and test engineers, this person will own the full build cycle of flight-ready physical prototypes. Responsibilities include translating incomplete designs into functional hardware, modifying airframes, building custom electrical wiring harnesses, and integrating flight control platforms to maintain an operational developmental fleet. The work directly accelerates learning cycles and enhances the capability of defence technology systems.
Ideal candidates bring a strong background in taking unmanned aerial systems or complex robotic hardware through complete development lifecycles. Comfort with evolving requirements and hands-on workshop fabrication is essential for success in this mission-driven team.
What you will do
- Design, fabricate, and assemble flight-ready physical prototypes including folding structures and avionics bays under tight timelines.
- Modify airframes, build custom electrical wiring harnesses, and integrate power distribution systems for the developmental drone fleet.
- Integrate and configure flight control platforms, flash firmware, calibrate onboard sensors, and troubleshoot system anomalies.
- Plan and execute functional and lifetime test campaigns in the field using telemetry data to refine CAD models.
- Collaborate with design and test teams to identify integration risks early and deliver targeted hardware solutions.
What you need
- Experience taking unmanned aerial systems or complex robotic systems through the full cycle from concept to field testing.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX with applied structural validation techniques like FEA.
- Hands-on workshop fabrication skills utilizing composites, metals, 3D printers, precision hand tools, and soldering stations.
- Practical experience integrating and troubleshooting flight control platforms, payload electronics, and power distribution systems.
- Ability to work with incomplete documentation and evolving requirements while taking end-to-end ownership of outcomes.
Nice to have
- Practical background flying, testing, and operating drones in field environments including multicopter, fixed-wing, or FPV platforms.
- Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop test environments and automated telemetry hardware.
- Hands-on knowledge of structural composites including carbon fibre layup and vacuum bagging.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support of up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Yearly learning allowance of €500
- Gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Enhanced parental leave of 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers
- 5 days of paid family emergency leave
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the focus of the engineering work?
You will translate complex concepts and incomplete designs into functional, flight-ready physical prototypes for Helsing's advanced drone platforms. The role owns the full build cycle from concept through to field testing.
What tools and systems will I be working with?
You will use 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX, apply structural validation techniques like FEA, and integrate flight control platforms including PX4 or ArduPilot.
What relocation support is available?
Helsing offers relocation support up to €2,500 along with 4 weeks of temporary accommodation.