Director of UAV Systems

Director of UAV Systems

Destinus

Valkenburg, Netherlands

Description

Imagine this – you’re leading the future of autonomous flight systems, pushing UAV performance to levels that others still call impossible. As Director of UAV Systems at Destinus, you’ll be at the center of aerodynamics, structures, and systems integration, making bold concepts fly. From optimizing aircraft designs in the wind tunnel to overseeing flight tests in the field, this role is about turning blueprints into game-changing reality. You won’t just guide; you’ll build, troubleshoot, and innovate alongside world-class engineers and mechanics.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, development, and integration of UAV systems from concept to prototype to production;
• Optimize aerodynamic performance through wind tunnel testing, CFD, and experimental validation;
• Drive structural engineering efforts, including stress analysis, material selection, and weight-balance optimization;
• Oversee aircraft systems integration, ensuring flawless alignment between control surfaces, propulsion, avionics, and structures;
• Collaborate directly with fabrication and manufacturing teams, bridging the gap between engineering and shop floor execution;
• Lead flight test engineering campaigns, from preparation to real-time monitoring and data-driven post-flight analysis;
• Push the boundaries of material science, working with metals and composites for lightweight, high-performance designs;
• Champion rapid prototyping and agile iteration, transforming ideas into tangible systems under tight timelines;
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and quality throughout the aircraft development cycle;
• Mentor cross-disciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Requirements

• Proven expertise in aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing, and performance optimization;
• Strong background in structural engineering with stress analysis and materials experience;
• Hands-on skills in aircraft systems design, from core flight systems to advanced control surfaces;
• Experience with fabrication, tooling, and manufacturing processes in aerospace environments;
• Track record in flight test engineering, including prototype validation and troubleshooting;
• Knowledge of materials engineering, particularly metals and composites for aerospace applications;
• Ability to lead rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles;
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM discipline;
• Master’s degree preferred, especially with specialization in aerodynamics, propulsion, or materials science;
• Solid foundation in advanced mathematics, physics, structural analysis, fluid dynamics, and systems engineering.

Who You Are

You thrive where innovation meets speed. You’re not just a thinker—you’re a doer who can sketch a solution on paper in the morning and test it in the hangar by the afternoon. When others hesitate, you act, combining deep technical knowledge with a fearless, hands-on approach. You embrace complexity, lead with confidence, and inspire teams to push beyond their limits. For you, every challenge is a chance to redefine what flight can be.