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92,000+ live jobsPrototype Design and Integration Engineer
On-site in Getafe·Full-time·Added today (last checked 30 Oct)
Airbus Spain
354 open roles
Our summary
- Work mode
- On-site, Getafe
- Contract
- Full-time
- Spanish
- Fluent
- English
- Required
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- University degree
Visa options
The ad doesn’t mention sponsorship
Not a refusal, but not a yes. Worth asking in your first message.
Skills
Requirements
What we're looking for
- Education: Degree or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering. Specialization in Aerospace Vehicle Design or Mechatronic Prototyping is highly valued.
- Professional Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in aerospace mechanical design, physical systems integration, or rapid prototyping within an aerospace OEM, flight test unit, or agile robotics company.
- Physical & Electrical Systems Integration: Proven track record of developing multi-disciplinary ICDs and integrating complex airborne equipment (electro-optical payloads, computing modules, power distribution units).
- CAD & Preliminary Design Mastery: Proficiency in 3D CAD platforms (e.g., CATIA V5/3DX, SolidWorks) for preliminary structural packaging, bracketry, aerodynamic fairings, and structural assemblies.
- Aeromechanical & Mass Properties Awareness: Understanding of aircraft weight and balance (CG envelope), structural load paths, thermal dissipation, and basic aerodynamic considerations for external stores or modifications.
- Hands-on Prototyping Skills: Practical experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing), rapid shop tooling, and aerospace harness assembly practices.
- Airworthiness & Modification Standards: Familiarity with aerospace modification design principles, environmental qualification guidelines (DO-160), and experimental flight permit processes (EASA/national authorities).
- Systems Thinking & Pragmatic Mindset: Ability to translate loose operational concepts into robust physical solutions, demonstrating agility and decisive technical judgment in fast-paced R&D environments.
Languages
- Language: Fluent English (C1 minimum) and Spanish.
The role
Airbus Helicopters is looking for a Prototype Design and Integration Engineer (f/m) based in Getafe (Madrid metropolitan area). We are looking for passionate individuals to join a cross-divisional project that will shape the future of autonomous flight for UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) and enable 24/7 mission capabilities in the most challenging operational conditions.
The position is functionally attached to the Head of Engineering Spain and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain..
What you'll do
- Preliminary Prototype & Modification Design: Lead the preliminary mechanical, structural, and electrical design for experimental UAS prototypes, specialized mounting provisions, and modular airborne payload enclosures.
- Multi-System Interface Definition: Define, document, and manage Interface Control Documents (ICDs)-encompassing mechanical attachments, electrical power distribution, thermal dissipation, and high-speed data interconnects-between novel sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar), AI processing units, and flight test platforms.
- Platform Integration Studies: Conduct preliminary engineering studies to adapt and integrate experimental mission systems into diverse flight test assets (uncrewed platforms and crewed aircraft), ensuring structural integrity, mass balance, and minimal aeromechanical impact.
- Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication: Accelerate iteration cycles by leveraging rapid manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing (3D printing), precision CNC fabrication, and custom wire harness integration.
- Ground Integration & Functional Verification: Supervise physical fit-checks, mechanical installation, electrical bench integration, and thermal/EMI risk reduction prior to experimental flight trials.
- Airworthiness & Design Office Alignment: Coordinate closely with structural, system safety, and airworthiness specialists to establish permit-to-fly documentation and safe-for-flight release criteria for experimental trial modifications.
- Trade-Offs & SWaP-C Optimization: Reconcile payload operational requirements with airframe physical boundaries, actively optimizing Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling (SWaP-C) constraints across prototype variants.
How you'll work
- Travel: Availability to travel sporadically at a national and European level in line with flight testing plans.
Employment Type
Permanent
-------
Professional
Chief Engineering & Architecture
Hiring process
3 steps2 interviewsa task to doseveral weeks in all
Apply online
Screening and preselection · With Talent Acquisition team
Call or short video interview
With Talent Acquisition team
Selected applicants are offered a call or a short video interview.
Technical test, case study or online assessment
Not every role
Some roles include technical tests, case studies or online assessments.
Business interviews
With business team and Talent Acquisition team
One or more interviews with the business team and Talent Acquisition, in person or by video; HR, technical and competency-based discussions.
Offer and onboarding · With Human Resources
- The process may take several weeks.
- Recorded video interviews, where used, are reviewed by a human.
About Airbus Spain
Airbus is a global leader in aerospace, manufacturing commercial aircraft, helicopters, and defense and space systems. With its headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus operates across multiple countries and employs over 130,000 people worldwide. The company is known for its commercial aircraft families like the A320 and A350, as well as its military programs such as the Eurofighter and Eurodrone.
In Spain, Airbus has a significant presence with major sites in Getafe, Madrid, and other locations, focusing on defense, space, and aerostructures. The Spanish operations are integral to Airbus's military aircraft programs and engineering excellence. For international professionals, Airbus Spain offers opportunities in a multicultural environment, with roles in engineering, IT, and manufacturing. The company supports relocation and provides a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration.
- Industry
- Aerospace
- Founded
- 1970
- Employees
- 100,000–150,000
- Headquarters
- Toulouse, France
- In Spain
- Getafe, Madrid, Seville
Good to know if you are moving
- Airbus Spain has major engineering and manufacturing sites in Getafe, Madrid, and Seville, offering opportunities in defense and aeronautics.
- The company offers structured graduate programs like the 'Discover' and 'Master' internships, which are open to international candidates.
- Airbus supports relocation for international hires, including visa assistance and integration support.
- Spain is a key hub for Airbus's military aircraft programs, including the Eurofighter and A400M, providing unique career opportunities.
- Airbus Spain has a multicultural work environment, with English as a common working language in many teams.
In their own words
About the company & team
You will be based in Getafe, Airbus's third-largest site globally where all three divisions converge. Madrid offers an unparalleled lifestyle for those looking to balance a high-impact career with a vibrant cultural scene. You will collaborate closely with various Engineering departments within Airbus Helicopters and the Helicopter Programs.
Airbus Helicopters España, SA
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Additional information
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.
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