Head of Engineering - Mechanical (Defence)

Are you a visionary engineering leader with a passion for cutting-edge hardware and a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams? Do you want to be at the forefront of innovation, contributing to the development of world-leading defence technology?We are partnering with a globally recognised leader in unmanned aerial systems, ranked among the top 5 drone companies worldwide. With a reputation for developing the most advanced technology in the defence sector, they are trusted partners to major countries and defence organisations across the globe.As part of their strategic expansion, they are establishing a new pilot R&D facility in Munich, which is slated to evolve into a full-scale manufacturing operation within 18-24 months. This is a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up and shape the future of defence robotics.The OpportunityAs the Head of Engineering, you will be instrumental in establishing and growing our client\’s engineering presence in Munich. You will lead the development of ground-breaking hardware for advanced drone systems, taking concepts from initial R&D through to full-scale production. This role demands a leader who is not only technically brilliant but also excels at building and nurturing exceptional engineering talent.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and Scale: Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and development of a world-class hardware engineering team in Munich, growing from an initial R&D focus to support manufacturing.Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the hardware engineering roadmap, ensuring alignment with the company\’s overall product strategy and long-term vision.Technical Excellence: Drive the design, development, and testing of complex electromechanical systems, ensuring the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software, aerodynamics, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient product development cycles.Process and Best Practices: Establish and implement robust engineering processes, tools, and methodologies to optimize efficiency and innovation.Mentorship and Development: Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and technical excellence within your team.What We\’re Looking ForProven Leadership: A minimum of 5 years of experience leading and managing engineering teams of 10-50+ people, preferably within the aerospace, defence, or complex hardware product development sectors.Scaling Expert: Demonstrable experience in successfully hiring, scaling, and developing engineering organizations.Hardware Specialist: A strong background in mechanical engineering or a related hardware discipline, with hands-on experience in the design and development of complex physical products.Industry Acumen: Experience within the drone, robotics, aerospace, or defence industries is highly desirable.Pioneer Spirit: The drive and enthusiasm to build a new operation from scratch in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.Educational Background: A Bachelor\’s or Master\’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; German language skills are a significant advantage.Why Join?This is more than just a job; it\’s an opportunity to leave your mark on a company that is redefining the capabilities of defence technology. You will be joining an organisation known for its unparalleled innovation and its commitment to developing the most advanced systems in the world. As a key leader in the new Munich facility, you will have significant autonomy and the chance to build a team and an operation that will have a global impact.If you are ready to take on a challenging yet immensely rewarding role at the forefront of defence, we encourage you to apply! #J-18808-Ljbffr