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Propulsion Engineer

ANAVIA Bilten, ANAVIA Näfels
Full-time
Permanent employee

Your mission

Key Tasks
  • Propulsion System Leadership: Act as the technical authority for propulsion systems. Define system requirements, responsible for engine integration and verification methods. Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot performance issues and drive design improvements.
  • Cross-Functional Integration: Work with aerodynamics, structural, and avionics teams to optimize engine integration, cooling, and vibration mitigation. Ensure propulsion systems align with the helicopter mission profiles (e.g., endurance, payload capacity, altitude, temperature, and other environmental factors).
  • Testing & Validation: Lead ground and flight testing campaigns to validate engine performance under operational conditions. Develop test campaigns and test plans. Analyze data to refine system parameters.
  • Vendor & Customer Management: Serve as the primary technical liaison between internal teams and propulsion system vendors. Review vendor designs, conduct risk assessments, and ensure deliverables meet project timelines. Support customer engagements to resolve requirements ambiguity.
  • Lifecycle Support: Develop maintenance protocols and failure-mode analyses for propulsion systems. Support field operations teams in diagnosing and resolving engine-related issues. Develop and maintain strategic alignment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations.
  • Documentation and Compliance: Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including design specifications, checking and preparing drawings, testing procedures, and maintenance manuals. Ensure mechanical designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
  • Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about advancements in mechanical engineering and UAV technology, integrating best practices into analysis processes.
 
Competencies & Duties
  • Working independently and responsibly. Perform tasks as described above. 
  • Compliance according to ANAVIA’ employment contract, compliance with company’ safety instructions and employee’ safety requirements, compliance with employers’ quality manual, work instructions and corresponding process specifications and instructions.
  • International travel required up to 25% of employee’ working hours.

Your profile

Qualifications
  • Education: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field and (3) years of industry experience.  Doctoral degree is equivalent to industry experience.
  • Experience: 8+ years of systems engineering development experience. 5+ years in propulsion system design, integration, and test, preferably with gas or heavy fuel engines. A plus: experience with heavy fuel engines in maritime operations, and prior technical lead roles in UAV/aerospace projects.
  • Skills:
    • Knowledge of power and propulsion system and subsystem components such as fuel systems, propulsion-airframe integration, and ground equipment.
    • Proven experience managing vendor partnerships and cross-functional engineering teams.
    • Strong project management abilities (Agile, SCRUM, or similar frameworks).
    • Knowledge of DO-160, MIL-STD-461, or other aerospace environmental testing standards.
  • Communication: Very good communication skills. High social skills and good analytical and excellent technical understanding.
  • Language: Good language skills in English (oral and written). German desirable.
  • Passport: Swiss / EU Nationals only.

About us

ANAVIA is a Swiss aerospace company and global market leader in the development and manufacture of advanced unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems with a maximum take-off weight of up to 1,150 kg. Our dual-use helicopter platforms and sensors support a wide range of missions, including intelligence and surveillance (ISR), infrastructure inspection, cargo, and other critical operations.

Driven by a multinational and disciplinary team of highly skilled engineers in mechatronics, avionics, composites, software, flight testing, and industry specialists in marketing, manufacturing, flight operations and service, ANAVIA manages the entire product lifecycle in-house - from concept and design through certification, production, and global customer support.

Headquartered in Bilten and Näfels, Switzerland, and a wholly owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates, ANAVIA combines Swiss engineering excellence with a growing international footprint. Our reputation is built on technological innovation, operational reliability, and uncompromising quality. Supported by a robust European supply chain, we deliver mission-ready aerospace solutions that reflect the highest standards of Swiss precision and manufacturing excellence.