UAS Technology Demonstrator Manager

About the role

Airbus Helicopters seeks a UAS Technology Demonstrator Manager to lead the end‑to‑end development of uncrewed aerial system demonstrators. Based in Getafe (or Albacete), you will work across engineering, research, and program teams to shape the future of autonomous flight.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full demonstrator lifecycle from concept, platform selection, to flight validation and data analysis.
• Lead mechanical and electrical integration of novel sensors (EO/IR, Radar, EW) and communication links, using COTS customization and rapid fabrication.
• Plan, organise and execute flight and ground test campaigns, including ALE, multi‑UAV swarming and MUM‑T trials.
• Define and drive technology maturation plans, advancing TRL from laboratory (TRL 4) to flight‑representative (TRL 7) and feeding results into the Airbus Helicopters roadmap.
• Act as primary interface between the cross‑divisional project team and internal functions (flight test, airworthiness, programmes, industrial) to secure resources and alignment.
• Collaborate with quality and airworthiness engineers to establish regulatory pathways and manage test risk.

Required profile

• Degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering; Master’s in UAS/RPAS is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of aerospace experience, including at least 3 years in a UAS or drone environment.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects with a startup mindset.

Required skills

• Mechanical integration
• Electrical integration
• Sensor integration (EO/IR, Radar, EW)
• Communication‑link integration
• COTS customization and rapid prototyping
• Flight‑test planning and execution
• Technology readiness level (TRL) management