Lead Mechanical Engineer

At Auterion, we build a global platform for drones and autonomous robots. In the growing market of autonomous vehicles, we connect high-end software and hardware. Our Munich-based defense engineering team develops the technologies that form the foundation of current and future drone products. As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will join our interdisciplinary hardware engineering team and play a key role in driving the design and development of next-generation drone platforms. You will take ownership of mechanical systems ranging from cooling solutions to complete airframes, guiding designs from initial concept through prototyping to mass production. As part of a cross-functional team, you will develop advanced systems such as interceptor and reconnaissance drones with integrated visual navigation, as well as quadcopters for defense applications. Responsibilities and Duties • Own mechanical designs from early-stage concept development through large scale manufacturing • Lead on the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems for aerial, ground and maritime robotic platforms • Generate and review detailed CAD models, 2D drawings, tolerance analyses, and mechanical simulations (thermal, structural, vibration) • Select and integrate components with multidisciplinary teams (electrical, software, systems) • Validate mechanical designs under real-world and lab environments • Work with manufacturing teams and suppliers to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), cost-efficiency, and production scalability • Document and communicate technical findings, test results, and project updates across internal and external stakeholders • Coach and mentor junior engineers to achieve technical excellence and develop best practices within the team Qualifications and Skills • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field • 7+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, preferably in robotics, drones, aerospace, or high-performance mechatronic systems • Previous experience in a technical leadership role is a plus • Proficiency with CAD tools and PDM/PLM systems, preferably Onshape or Solidworks • Strong experience in mechanical design fundamentals: materials, manufacturing processes, thermal management, structural analysis, and kinematics • Hands-on experience with prototyping, assembly, and mechanical testing • Familiarity with design for environmental constraints (IP rating, vibration, temperature, etc.) typical in drone and aerospace environments • Experience collaborating in cross-functional hardware/software teams • Excellent problem-solving, communication (English), and project management skills • EU citizenship required Benefits • Flexible working hours • Stock Options • Generous holiday allowance • Pension plan • Extended social security package • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave • Wellpass membership About Auterion We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems. At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.