Lead Systems Engineer - Low Observability Shaping & Materials

About the Position

Lead Systems Engineer - Low Observability Shaping & Materials

Munich, Germany

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About the Company

Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.

As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.

We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists, and customer-facing programme managers. We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.

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Responsibilities

• Develop radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared (IR) material concepts for air vehicles and integrate them into the overall structural concept.
• Create and execute a technology maturation roadmap for low observability materials and supplier components.
• Develop RCS and IR concepts for supplier parts (including antennas, air data systems, and EO/IR windows) in collaboration with suppliers, and initiate relevant development activities.
• Direct and oversee supplier and testing activities for RCS and IR performance.
• Execute iterative air vehicle shape optimization in coordination with partners (including Grob) and suppliers to refine RCS and IR calculations.

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Requirements

• Hold a relevant degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Have 8+ years of professional experience in systems engineering, with a focus on low observability, RCS/IR materials, and structural integration.
• Understand electromagnetic theory, radar cross-section reduction techniques, and infrared signature management deeply.
• Have a proven track record of leading supplier development and testing programmes.
• Are a first-principles thinker who values accountability, integrity, and respect.
• Have Eligibility for national security clearance (due to the sensitive nature of defence work).
• Speak fluent English; additional proficiency in German is a strong advantage.

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Nice to Have

• Experience in the defence industry
• Familiarity with advanced materials and structural design

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We Offer

• Competitive salary and VSOP options
• Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
• Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
• Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
• Social: regularly company events and monthly social allowances
• Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.
• Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work

These are the core benefits across all locations, there may be additional benefits in certain locations.

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Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

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Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.

Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found here.