Development Engineer – Aero-Thermal & Powertrain Systems

About Greenjets

Greenjets is a forefront engineering firm dedicated to creating high-performance propulsion technologies for the aviation sector. Their expertise covers the full spectrum from research and development through production to system integration and flight evaluation, specializing in propulsion systems for unmanned aircraft.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Development Engineer located in Germany, specializing in aero-thermal engineering with hands-on knowledge of electric powertrain systems including motors, batteries, and controllers. This senior role involves technical ownership of system development stages, from initial ideas to production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate extensively with interdisciplinary teams spanning electrical, mechanical, controls, manufacturing, and testing functions, serving as a crucial technical liaison to suppliers and clients.
• Lead development efforts focused on aero-thermal attributes of powertrain systems, managing motor, power electronics, and battery cooling, airflow strategies, and thermal resilience for demanding conditions.
• Establish and manage development strategies, defining requirements and performing trade-off analyses that consider performance, efficiency, weight, thermal thresholds, durability, and cost.
• Leverage analytical tools, simulations, and empirical test data to influence design decisions and navigate system-level compromises.
• Coordinate prototyping efforts including specification, build phase supervision, and iterative refinement informed by test feedback.
• Partner with testing groups to formulate testing protocols, interpret results, and implement design improvements.
• Integrate hands-on work with powertrain hardware ensuring alignment of aero-thermal, electrical, mechanical, and control system facets at the system level.
• Engage suppliers in component selection and evaluation processes to smoothly transition prototypes to scalable production.
• Act as the primary technical contact for customers facilitating technical exchanges, design reviews, demos, and ensuring realistic delivery of engineering solutions.
• Support the transfer from development to production, coordinating with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure design robustness and manufacturability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven background in aero-thermal engineering or propulsion system development within aerospace, unmanned aerial vehicles, motorsport, or similarly demanding engineering domains.
• Hands-on experience in embedded hardware/software creation including system integration, troubleshooting, and validation processes.
• Practical understanding of electric powertrain components and their system-level interactions.
• Experience developing systems related to drones or aircraft with a clear grasp of integration challenges, constraints, and rapid prototyping methods.
• Demonstrable history of managing complete development lifecycles from concept through delivery and production, with supplier and customer direct interface.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in German advantageous for local collaborations.
• Eligibility to work with export-restricted technologies under relevant legal regulations is necessary.
• A pragmatic, results-driven mindset with strong problem-solving and communication capabilities, confident in decision-making within uncertain environments.

Additional Information

This permanent position is based in Munich, Germany, with periodic travel to the UK to support ongoing development and testing. Compensation aligns with experience and responsibility level.