UAV Systems Engineer - Propulsion & Actuation (m/f/d)

TYTAN Technologies

The PACE is fast. The expectations are high. The contribution matters. Working at TYTAN is more than a job, this is a mission. We push boundaries, think big, and hold ourselves to the highest standard. Our mission and values guide everything we do, and we're looking for people who are driven by ownership, embrace challenges, and are energized by meaningful work. If you're motivated by impact and thrive in dynamic environments, you'll fit right in.

At TYTAN , we aim to set a global standard in autonomous air defense with AI-driven, cost-efficient systems that counter unmanned aerial threats at scale. We protect people. We protect critical infrastructure. We protect European sovereignty.

We are looking for a UAV Systems Engineer to own the propulsion, actuation and thermal subsystems of our UAV platforms. You will size, select, integrate and validate motors, ESCs, servos and actuators, and make sure every subsystem stays within its thermal limits across the full flight envelope. Working closely with Aircraft Design, Avionics, Electronics and Battery Engineering, you will take these subsystems from first trade study to qualified, production-ready hardware.

Your roadmap to make an impact

Propulsion

• Size and select motors, propellers and ESCs against thrust, efficiency, mass and cost targets across the flight envelope.
• Characterize motor and propeller performance on thrust stands and dynamometers, and build the propulsion models used by Aircraft Design and GNC.
• Define ESC configuration, current limits and failure behavior together with the Electronics team and suppliers.

Actuation

• Specify, select and qualify servos and electromechanical actuators for control surfaces and onboard mechanisms.
• Derive actuator requirements (torque, speed, backlash, bandwidth, holding load, duty cycle) and verify them on test benches.
• Integrate actuators with the flight controller and avionics, including interfaces such as PWM and CAN, position feedback and fault detection.

Integration & Test

• Plan and run environmental tests such as thermal cycling, vibration and ingress protection.
• Analyze flight logs for temperatures, currents and actuator loads, and feed the findings into the next design iteration.
• Own subsystem requirements, interface control documents, test procedures and reports.
• Act as the technical counterpart to motor, ESC and actuator suppliers.
• Support the transfer to series production through design for manufacturing, acceptance tests and supplier qualification.

• Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with propulsion or actuation systems in UAV, aerospace, automotive or robotics applications.
• Solid understanding of brushless motors (BLDC/PMSM), ESCs and motor control basics, as well as propeller performance.
• Experience specifying, selecting and testing servos or electromechanical actuators.
• Practical test experience with thrust stands, dynamometers, thermocouples, IR cameras and data acquisition systems.
• Confident evaluating test and flight data with Python or MATLAB.
• Working knowledge of CAD (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks or CATIA).
• A structured, hands-on way of working and the ability to collaborate across disciplines in a small, fast-moving team.
• Fluent in English; German is a plus.

Nice to Have

• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot and with flight log analysis.
• Experience with environmental qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810 or RTCA DO-160.
• Applied heat transfer knowledge, e.g. thermal management of motors and ESCs, or experience with thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS Icepak or Simcenter Flotherm.
• Motor or magnetic design experience (e.g., Ansys Motor-CAD, JMAG).
• Experience taking hardware from prototype to small-series production.
• Background in defense, aerospace or other safety-critical environments.
• Drones, RC aircraft or Formula Student as a student team, competition or serious hobby.

Why TYTAN?

• Build technology with real operational impact: Develop autonomous defense systems designed to protect lives and strengthen Europe’s security
• Shape scalable defense capabilities: Work on solutions built for mass deployment, cost efficiency, resilience, and reliable production at scale
• Contribute to networked air defense: Help integrate our systems into multi-layered defense architectures alongside sensors, command systems, and effectors
• Develop for real-world operations: Build capabilities together with end users and improve them continuously based on direct operational feedback
• Move fast and take ownership: Work in a focused, high-performance team where decisions are made quickly and individual contributions have immediate impact
• Define a new generation of defense technology: Join early and help shape the products, engineering standards, culture, and direction of a fast-growing deep-tech company
• Work with an international mission-driven team: Collaborate with experienced specialists united by the goal of creating sovereign and effective security capabilities for Europe

Our Benefits

• Virtual stock options: Participate in our success through virtual stock options (VSOPs) at the company's current valuation
• Monthly allowances: €106/month in flexible benefits including lunch discounts and EGYM Wellpass or shopping credit
• Regular health care events: Health check-ups, skin screenings, mental health workshops, and an annual vitamin infusion on us
• Referral bonus: Earn a reward when someone you refer joins the team
• Regular team events: On- and off-site activities to connect and celebrate together
• Corporate discounts: Exclusive employee discounts across a wide range of partner brands
• Flexibility : Flexible working hours and hybrid work model, plus a modern Munich office built for focus and collaboration

About us

At TYTAN, it is more than just a job; it is about embracing autonomy, personal growth, and purpose. Make a lasting impact in the new era of defense! Join us to create a safer world for all.

WE are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process.

Please note that we currently do not offer visa sponsorship, so we’re only able to consider candidates who already have a valid work permit. All qualified applicants are hereby encouraged to apply.