HAPS Structure and Mechanisms Engineer (d/f/m)

Job Description

Job Description:

As part of our HAPS team, you will perform the following activities:

1. Mechanism Design & Kinematics

• Design and optimize complex, lightweight moving mechanisms, including deployment systems (wings, solar arrays, antennas), actuation linkages, hinges, and latching systems.
• Ensure mechanisms can operate reliably in the extreme thermal environments of the stratosphere (ranging from -70ºC to +50ºC) without seizing or binding.
• Select and integrate aerospace-grade bearings, lubricants, gears, and electric actuators.

2. Hands-on Assembly & Integration (AIT)

• Lead the physical assembly and structural integration of the HAPS airframe, payloads, and mechanical subsystems.
• Perform precision alignments, bonding, fastening, and torqueing of critical composite and metallic components.
• Troubleshoot mechanical fitment, interference, and tolerance stack-up issues directly on the hardware during build cycles.

3. Structural & Functional Testing

• Define, set up, and execute rigorous physical test plans, including structural load tests, environmental (thermal-vacuum) testing, and mechanism deployment lifecycle testing.
• Instrument test articles with strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, and displacement sensors.
• Correlate physical test data back to analytical models to continuously improve future designs.

4. Structural Analysis & Materials

• Perform hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate the structural integrity of both static structures and moving mechanisms.
• Utilize advanced CAD software to create detailed 3D models and manufacturing/assembly drawings.

About you

We would love to hear who you are, talk about your experience, vision and how you think you could help us.

In the meantime, it would be great if you had the following:

1. Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (industrial, robotics, etc.).
• Experience: 3+ years of experience with a strong focus on mechanism design and hands-on mechanical assembly/testing within the aerospace, UAV, or robotics industries.
• Hands-on Expertise: Proven experience in a lab or workshop environment doing mechanical integration, structural bonding, and using precision measurement tools.
• Simulation Tools: Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and FEA/Kinematic simulation software.
• AIT Know-How: Experience setting up test rigs, integration processes, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and working with sensors (strain gauges, load cells).

• Electronic Control Systems (Highly Appreciated - Bonus): Strong familiarity with or understanding of electronics, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32), servo/stepper motor controls, and basic scripting (Python or C/C++) to program, actuate, and test mechanisms automatically.

2. Non-technical Skills

• Excellent communication skills: English, Spanish spoken and written at professional level. Catalan, French and German are a plus
• Analytical skills
• A team player, eager to join a collaborative mindset
• Ability to communicate to customers, suppliers & management
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment, handling multiple priorities
• Proactive thinking, risk taker, fast learner, flexible
• Emotional intelligence, empathic, ability to be in someone else's shoes
• Open minded to diversity, inclusion and other cultures
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Driving license
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the working time
• Commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the company's success, reputation & growth

What's in it for you

How we can support

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we´ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Competitive salary

Work / Life balance

Hybrid working scheme (remote / physical)

Tickets restaurant, child care subsidies, transport subsidies

Access to Airbus employee share plans

Access to Airbus Leadership University and Airbus training programmes

Based in the bustling Barcelona downtown, quick access to efficient public transportation system

Access to Airbus internal mobility network, worldwide

Please let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.