About this role
Translating technical requirements into robust and field-ready UAV designs forms the core of daily responsibilities in this hardware role. Operating within the Physical Products team at Helsing, engineers build end-to-end aerial platforms that span aerodynamic subsystems, structural components, propulsion, and onboard electronics. The team exists to develop defence AI technologies that protect democratic societies, requiring practitioners who balance strict manufacturing constraints with rapid prototyping schedules.
Successful candidates bring deep specialism in domains like flight mechanics or structural design while maintaining a view of the integrated system. Someone who thrives here enjoys rapid iteration, tackles complex autonomous hardware challenges, and engages thoughtfully with the ethical dimensions of defence technology.
What you will do
- Own end-to-end aspects of UAV hardware design from early-stage concept and analysis through to flight-ready builds.
- Contribute to the performance of integrated systems across aerodynamic, structural, propulsion, and electronic subsystems.
- Develop and iterate prototypes at pace while balancing structural integrity, weight, power, and manufacturability constraints.
- Define and execute hardware validation and flight-readiness testing including bench tests, integration checks, and field trials.
- Produce clear documentation of test results and key design decisions.
- Evaluate and select components and materials in collaboration with suppliers and partners.
What you need
- Have hands-on experience designing and building UAVs or similarly complex autonomous hardware systems.
- Demonstrate depth in at least one technical area such as aerodynamics, mechanical design, or electronics and avionics.
- Maintain a strong prototyping track record with experience taking hardware from concept to a flying article at pace.
- Show proficiency with relevant engineering tools in your domain such as CAD, FEA, CFD, Altium, or MATLAB/Simulink.
- Bring experience defining and running hardware validation and test campaigns.
- Communicate clearly in written and spoken English.
Nice to have
- Have worked across more than one engineering discipline within UAV or autonomous systems development
- Have experience collaborating with software and firmware teams on hardware and software integration challenges
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Learning allowance of €500/£450 yearly
- Health and wellness benefits including gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Enhanced parental leave of 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
- Family support including 5 days of paid family emergency leave
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What tools and software will I use in this role?
Engineers use relevant engineering tools in their domain such as CAD, FEA, CFD, Altium, or MATLAB/Simulink. You will work across the full hardware stack from early-stage concept to flight-ready builds.
What kind of relocation support is available?
Helsing offers relocation support of up to €2,500 along with 4 weeks of temporary accommodation. Additional family support and parental leave options are also provided.
What is the focus of the Physical Products team?
The team translates requirements into robust, efficient, and field-ready UAV designs. Members work across aerodynamic, structural, propulsion, and electronic subsystems while keeping the integrated system in view.