Chief Engineer UAS/VTOL

Description

**Location:** Madrid, ES **\#job\-location.job\-location\-inline { display:** inline; } **Professional Profile:** D\&S Engineering, Mobility and ATM **Required Experience:** More than 2 years of experience **Work Modality:** Hybrid Chief Engineer UAS/VTOL – Lead the future of unmanned aerial systems. San Fernando de Henares (hybrid) At Indra Group, we protect what matters most. Are you passionate about transforming innovative concepts into cutting-edge aerial platforms? We are seeking a Chief Engineer UAS/VTOL to lead the technical definition, design, development, and validation of next-generation unmanned aerial systems—from conceptual phase through flight testing and certification. You will serve as the global technical reference for the program, driving advanced solutions in VTOL, hybrid aircraft, autonomous systems, GNC, simulation, and complex architectures within a high-tech, multidisciplinary environment. ✈️ What will you do daily? Define the overall system architecture **Lead the definition of complex UAS/VTOL architectures:** structure, aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, flight control, communications, and energy. Design fixed-wing, VTOL, and hybrid aircraft configurations, evaluating technical and operational trade-offs. Perform preliminary sizing of platforms, energy systems, and propulsion systems. Lead flight design and performance Analyze and optimize key parameters such as endurance, range, operational ceiling, payload, and energy efficiency. Define flight envelopes, operational margins, and mission performance. Develop flight models, dynamic simulations, and ballistic analyses when required. ️ Drive GNC architecture and autonomy Lead the design of Guidance, Navigation \& Control (GNC) systems. Develop 6DOF dynamic models, control laws, and autopilot architectures. Integrate advanced navigation sensors (GNSS, INS, computer vision, and sensor fusion). Contribute to the development of autonomous capabilities and advanced navigation. Manage the full development lifecycle Guide the system from conceptual phase through final flight validation. Coordinate modeling, simulation, design, integration, SIL/HIL testing, and test campaigns. Lead verification, validation, and certification activities. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams Lead specialists in aerodynamics, structures, software, avionics, propulsion, and systems. Act as the highest technical authority for the program. Manage technical risks, critical decisions, and design trade-offs. Collaborate with customers, industrial partners, suppliers, and aviation authorities. Promote technological innovation Electric and hybrid propulsion systems. Secure and resilient communications. MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering). Digital Twin and advanced simulation environments. Model-based design and simulation. ✅ What are we looking for? **Solid experience in:** Conceptual design and development of UAS/VTOL aircraft. Aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and Flight Performance. Flight control systems, autopilots, and GNC. Integration of embedded systems and complex architectures. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems. Development and validation of complex aeronautical systems. **Valued knowledge:** MBSE and Digital Engineering architectures. Aeronautical certification or pre-certification. Flight Testing and V\&V processes. Autonomous systems and advanced navigation technologies. ️ Key Tools MATLAB / Simulink (mandatory). Python and numerical modeling. 6DOF simulation environments. Optimization tools. **CAD/CAE:** NX, CATIA, SolidWorks or similar. Flight simulation software. Why join us? Because you will participate in some of the most advanced UAS, VTOL, and autonomous systems programs—leading high-tech engineering teams and defining the solutions that will shape the future of defense and unmanned aviation. If you are motivated by combining strategic vision, technical leadership, and hands-on advanced engineering work, we want to meet you. ✨ What we offer **Stability and Future ✨:** Long-term projects at a leading defense company with over 60\.000 professionals and strong financial security. **Innovative and High-Impact Projects :** Work with cutting-edge technologies, making an impact both nationally and internationally. **Close and Transparent Environment :** Enjoy direct, fluid communication with managers and colleagues in a collaborative and open setting. **Autonomy and Flexibility :** Freedom to organize your work, with genuine work-life balance tailored to your pace. **Personalized Career Plan :** Designed to accelerate your professional growth and development. **Continuous Training :** Through Open University and Udemy for Business (over 6\.000 courses to specialize!). **Exclusive Wellness Discounts :** Enjoy benefits at gyms, restaurants, stores, leisure activities, and more as an Indra employee. Fixed compensation \+ flexible compensation plans tailored to your needs. What does our selection process look like? **Profile Review :** We assess your experience and skills to determine alignment with our requirements. **Initial Contact (5\-10 min) :** If you receive a call from an unknown number, it’s our team! A brief conversation to get to know you and address any questions. **Technical Interview :** You’ll meet the team, who will explain the project and daily tasks. We’ll also explore your technical knowledge. Additionally, brief psychological and English competency assessments may be conducted (if applicable). **Interview with Talent Acquisition Team :** We want you to better understand our company: values, career model, skills… so both you and the team can evaluate mutual fit. **Offer and Onboarding :** If everything goes well, you’ll join our team and begin this new chapter together! **Estimated Process Duration:** 2 weeks. As a company, we view equality as a cross-cutting principle and a driver of social change. From this conviction, we reaffirm our commitment to equal treatment and opportunities between women and men, non-discrimination, pay equity, and work-life balance. This commitment is reflected in promoting respectful and inclusive workplaces where all individuals are treated with dignity, can develop professionally, and enjoy equal opportunities throughout recruitment, training, and promotion processes—ensuring a workplace free from discrimination based on gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, marital status, or any other personal or social circumstance. ¡INDRA is Top Employer 2026! Join a company certified as one of Spain’s best employers, thanks to our comprehensive HR management and the conditions we provide for our professionals.