Aircraft Design Specialist for Sizing and Optimization

About Grob Aircraft

Grob Aircraft AG is a leading German manufacturer renowned for its pioneering expertise in advanced composite aircraft structures, with decades of experience in developing military training aircraft (e.g., G 120TP) and high-performance lightweight airframes As we expand our capabilities into next-generation defense platforms — including low-observable (LO) technology integration for military training systems, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and research demonstrator programs — we are looking for an Aircraft Design Specialist for Sizing and Optimization to drive the conceptual, preliminary, and multidisciplinary design for next-generation LO aircraft configuration development

This is a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge aircraft configuration, aerodynamic sizing, and low-observable design expertise within a company with deep roots in composite aerospace manufacturing, contributing directly to both national and European defense initiatives Grob runs lean development, fast design cycles, and rapid prototyping to deliver platforms such as the low-observable CA1 Europa — an innovative UCAV concept combining AI and advanced design.

As an Aircraft Design Specialist for Sizing and Optimization, you will take a leading technical role in conceptual vehicle sizing, flight performance assessment, multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), aerodynamic packaging, and structural layout of advanced composite aircraft and unmanned systems. You will bridge conceptual vehicle architecture and design with Grob’s established composite manufacturing excellence to deliver high-performance, lightweight, and aerodynamically and RF-signature-optimized aircraft solutions.

In this role, you will lead the complete conceptual synthesis loop — from mission constraint analysis, initial parametric lofting, and Outer Mold Line (OML) definition to inboard profile development, weight and balance tracking, point/mission performance calculations, and transition into preliminary and detailed engineering. You will collaborate closely with aerodynamics, performance, handling qualities, stress, systems, signature management, and M&P (RAM/RAS) teams, mentor junior engineers, and interface with governmental and industrial partners on advanced aerospace projects.

• Conceptual Sizing & Synthesis: Aircraft sizing, mission profile simulation, constraint analysis, and point-performance optimization for next-generation UAS, UCAVs, and military training platforms. Workout airfoil selections and preliminary aircraft configurations. Development of Sizing Methods using Python and MATLAB.

• Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO): Build, maintain, and execute automated sizing and MDO pipelines using Python and MATLAB, coupling aerodynamics, weight estimation, propulsion models, mission constraints, and radar cross-section (RCS) criteria.

• Parametric Geometry & Lofting: Rapidly generate, analyze, and iterate parametric aircraft configurations, Outer Mold Lines (OML), and inboard profiles using OpenVSP or other tools, transitioning refined lofting data into Siemens NX for detailed modeling and building up parametrized models in Siemens NX.

• Flight Performance & Mission Modeling: Evaluate take-off, climb, sustained/instantaneous turn performance, ceiling, high-speed cruise, loiter efficiency, and field performance under standard and off-nominal atmospheric conditions.

• Aero & LO Signature Integration: Conduct multi-objective configuration trade studies balancing aerodynamic performance, aero estimations/preliminary calculations, trim, stability with low-observable shaping principles (planform edge alignment, fuselage blending, canopy/fuselage chining, and intake/exhaust duct integration).

• Compliance & Technical Data: Produce comprehensive parametric definition data, Model-Based Definition datasets, aircraft performance models and high level descriptions.

• Customer & Review Boards: Represent Grob Aircraft in technical milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technical exchanges with defense customers, procurement agencies, and industry partners.

• Prototyping & Testing Support: Support prototype builds, assembly integration, and flight-test correlation to validate sizing, aerodynamic performance, and structural assumptions.

• Compliance & Technical Data: Generate comprehensive 3D MBD (Model-Based Definition) datasets, 3 D Models in adherence to relevant military and civil aerospace standards (e.g., EASA CS-23/CS-25, STANAG 4671, MIL-HDBK-516).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.

• Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in aircraft configuration layout, conceptual aircraft sizing, vehicle performance analysis, inboard packaging, or airframe engineering, ideally within a military aerospace or UAS/UCAV context.

• Programming & Automation: Advanced, practical programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB for mathematical modeling, aircraft sizing codes, performance scripting, and design space optimization.

• Rapid Conceptual Sizing Tools: Proven hands-on proficiency in OpenVSP (Open Vehicle Sketch Pad) for parametric configuration layout, RDS or self made sizing tools.

• CAD & Surface Modeling: Proven proficiency in aerospace 3D CAD platforms — specifically Siemens NX (or CATIA V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE) — including advanced surface lofting and OML generation.

• Aero & LO Fundamentals: Deep technical understanding of aerodynamic design, flight mechanics and handling qualities, control surface sizing, aircraft performance as well as propulsions performance and modeling. Experience in optimized for both aerodynamics and low-observable (LO) RF signatures for performance, range and survivability.

• Languages: Fluency in German and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.

• Prior aircraft design and optimization experience with military combat aircraft, military training aircraft, tactical UAS/UCAVs, low-observability platforms, high-performance jet aircraft, and/or turboprops.

• Proven experience integrating aerodynamic solvers (e.g., VLM, panel codes, CFD) and high-frequency RCS prediction methods into automated MDO loops.

• Familiarity with the geometric integration of radar-absorbing materials and radar-absorbing structures (RAM/RAS).

• Working knowledge of civil and military airworthiness certification standards (e.g., EASA CS-23 / CS-VLA, STANAG 4671, MIL-STD-1530, MIL-HDBK-516).

• Existing active German or NATO security clearance (or eligibility to successfully undergo the clearance verification process).

What We Offer

• We are a dynamic, family-owned company with short decision-making processes and an open-door culture. Enjoy a range of attractive benefits, including:

  ✈️ FLYING AT GROB

  • Fly the GROB G115 in your free time (for PPL license holders)

  • Access to the GROB TP flight simulator

  🛡️ SECURITY & RETIREMENT

  • Company pension scheme

  • GROB accident insurance

  • Contribution toward occupational disability insurance

  💪 HEALTH & WELL-BEING

  • EGYM Wellpass membership (employee contribution: only €24.90/month)

  • Subsidized lunch (approximately 50% covered by the company)

  • Free coffee and water

  ⚖️ WORK–LIFE BALANCE

  • Bridge days off with flexible working hours

  • DEKA working time account

  • Childcare allowance

  🎁 ADDITIONAL PERKS

  • VIP tickets to FC Bayern Munich matches at the Allianz Arena

  • Employee referral bonus

  • Long-service anniversary gifts

  • Corporate Benefits employee discount platform