UAS Prototype Technician (Assembly & Flight Test) (m/f/d)
NEX Aero GmbH HQ, NEX Aero GmbH Office
Full-time
Permanent employee
About the role
NEX Aero GmbH is looking for a UAS Prototype Technician to assemble, maintain and inspect our first full-scale prototype unmanned aircraft, in direct support of the company's flight test campaign and its operations in the EASA specific category (SAIL III/IV). This is a hands-on role in the Workshop and on the flight line: you will assemble airframe structures and install UAS systems, carry out inspections, servicing and repairs, prepare the aircraft for ground and flight tests, and document all work in line with our maintenance programme and Operations Manual. You will report directly to the CTO and work closely with the Program Manager, System Owners and design engineers, making this a highly visible role in getting the aircraft into the air.
Your responsibilities
1. Assemble the First Full-Scale Prototype UAS (Assembly)
Assemble the prototype aircraft on time and in line with engineering drawings, work instructions and our quality standards.
Keep the prototype aircraft serviceable and ready for ground and flight testing, and keep the test schedule on track.
Work to aviation quality and safety standards and help build the evidence for our operational authorisation in the specific category (SORA, SAIL III/IV), including the OSO #03 maintenance requirements and the EASA design verification.
Use hands-on assembly and maintenance experience to help improve the aircraft design.
Help keep the Workshop safe, organized and ready for aircraft assembly and testing.
Assemble the prototype aircraft on time and in line with engineering drawings, work instructions and our quality standards.
- Assemble airframe structures, sub-assemblies and components according to engineering drawings, work instructions and the BOM
- Install and connect UAS systems, including electric propulsion (motors, ESCs), flight controls and actuators, flight controller / autopilot, C2 datalinks, payload, wiring harnesses and safety systems (e.g. parachute / flight termination)
- Carry out fastening, torque, bonding and composite work in line with work instructions and aerospace good practice
- Identify and report deviations, implement engineering changes on the aircraft and keep the as-built configuration up to date
Keep the prototype aircraft serviceable and ready for ground and flight testing, and keep the test schedule on track.
- Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, servicing and inspections in line with the UAS maintenance programme and maintenance instructions
- Prepare the aircraft for ground runs and flight tests, including pre-flight, post-flight and daily inspections according to the Operations Manual checklists
- Troubleshoot and rectify mechanical and electrical defects, and replace components as required
- Perform firmware / software updates and parameter configuration on the flight controller and avionics under configuration control
- Support the installation of test instrumentation and ground support equipment
Work to aviation quality and safety standards and help build the evidence for our operational authorisation in the specific category (SORA, SAIL III/IV), including the OSO #03 maintenance requirements and the EASA design verification.
- Document all assembly, maintenance and inspection work (aircraft logbooks, work orders, task cards, as-built configuration, non-conformance reports), ensuring traceability of parts, software versions and configuration
- Support the creation and improvement of work instructions, maintenance instructions and the UAS maintenance programme
- Perform and record quality checks, including incoming inspection of parts and materials
- Report and document defects, occurrences and incidents from ground and flight testing
- Comply with health, safety and environmental rules, including the handling of high-voltage systems, high-capacity lithium batteries and hazardous materials
Use hands-on assembly and maintenance experience to help improve the aircraft design.
- Provide feedback to Engineering on ease of assembly, maintainability and accessibility, and support prototype iterations
Help keep the Workshop safe, organized and ready for aircraft assembly and testing.
- Keep workstations, storage and internal material flows organized
- Maintain tools, equipment and consumables, including calibration, tool control and FOD prevention
- Support inventory management as well as incoming inspection rules and processes
- Day-to-day alignment with the Program Manager (PM), System Owners (SO) and design engineers
- Regular status updates on assembly and maintenance progress to the CTO, with additional C-level updates as needed
Your profile
- Completed vocational training in a relevant technical field, e.g. aircraft mechanic or avionics technician (Fluggerätmechaniker / Fluggeräteelektroniker), mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker), electronics technician or comparable; a technician or master craftsman certificate (Techniker/Meister) is a plus
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in assembling, integrating or maintaining UAS, eVTOL, experimental aircraft or comparable complex electromechanical systems (e.g. aerospace manufacturing, motorsport, robotics)
- Familiarity with the EASA UAS framework (specific category, SORA, operational authorisation) is a plus; experience in Part-145 / Part-21 environments is welcome but not required
- Strong mechanical skills: reading technical drawings and documentation, fastening, torque and bonding; composite manufacturing or repair experience is a plus
- Solid electrical skills: wiring harnesses, crimping, soldering, measuring and troubleshooting; experience with electric propulsion, high-voltage or lithium battery systems is a plus
- Experience in preparing UAS for flight, C2 links and ground control stations; flight test experience and EASA remote pilot competency (e.g. A2 CofC) are a plus
- Comfort operating with ambiguity in a fast-scaling, resource-constrained environment, and willingness to cover adjacent workshop and Operations topics (inventory, inspection, logistics) as needed
- Precise and structured way of working, with a strong commitment to quality, safety and documentation
- Fluent English required; German is a plus
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to test sites
What we offer
You'll join at a pivotal moment for the company's flight test program, with the opportunity to build and maintain our first prototype aircraft with your own hands and see your direct impact on test campaigns, production readiness and program milestones.
About us
Who We Are - NEX Aero
At NEX Aero, we are redefining how critical cargo moves across the world.We design, build, and operate next-generation heavy-duty drones capable of reaching places traditional logistics can’t, connecting remote communities, enabling urgent healthcare deliveries, and strengthening supply chains in a changing world.
Based in Munich, we are an ambitious team of engineers, operators, and innovators working hands-on at the intersection of aerospace, clean technology, and logistics. Our work moves beyond prototypes, it creates real-world impact where reliability, reach, and resilience matter most.
At NEX Aero, you won’t just build systems. You’ll help unlock access, progress, and opportunity for industries and communities worldwide.
Benefits — What You Can Expect
- Purpose-Driven Work: Join a mission that matters, advancing sustainable logistics and connecting the disconnected.
- Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work hands-on with next-generation drone systems, hydrogen technologies, and autonomous operations.
- Fast-Paced Learning: Grow faster through deep technical challenges, field missions, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Collaborative Culture: We value clear communication, radical ownership, and low-ego teamwork across every role and level.
- Professional Growth: Shape your role as we scale, with opportunities to lead projects, innovate solutions, and expand your expertise.
- Attractive Locations: Work from our modern office or our R&D lab, both close to the center of Munich, with flexible working options depending on your role.
- Health and Well-being: As a full-time employee, enjoy the benefits of a WELLPASS membership.
- Real-World Impact: See the results of your work directly, from successful flight tests to critical deliveries that move what matters most.
At NEX Aero, we are serious about the mission, and we enjoy the ride.