- You create and maintain the parametric CAD master models for primary and secondary structures – airframe, payload bays, landing gear, and engine mounts.
- You produce manufacturing drawings with complete GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) – your drawings must be self-explanatory for the workshop.
- You calculate tolerance chains across mechanical assemblies and ensure functional fit in worst-case scenarios.
- You select structural materials (aluminum alloys, CFRP, polymers) in collaboration with Purchasing and Simulation & Validation.
- You prepare CAD models for simulation (idealization, simplification), interpret the results (FEM, CFD, topology optimization) together with the simulation team, and derive design optimizations from them – such as weight reduction or stiffness increase. You compare simulation results with real prototype tests to continuously improve the virtual models.
- You coordinate with purchasing early on to ensure target manufacturing costs are met (design-to-cost), support technical supplier communication, and, together with strategic purchasing, select standard and purchased parts to reduce part variety.
- You design for manufacturability within our existing processes (machining, sheet metal fabrication, casting, additive manufacturing), apply the Poka-Yoke principle to prevent assembly errors, and support prototype and pre-series production directly on the shop floor.
- You design test specimens, including measuring points, sensor mounts, and access points; develop test fixtures and adapters; and analyze failures with the testing team to derive concrete redesign measures.
- You consistently follow the PLM workflow – no shadow revisions, no unapproved drawings in circulation.
Mechnical Design Engineer (m/f/d)
Wels | DC1
Full-time
Permanent employee
What you can expect
As a Design Engineer (CAD), you are the author of the physical drone – your parametric 3D models and manufacturing drawings define every mechanical component of our products. You don't work in isolation at your CAD workstation, but rather as a central interface between design, simulation, purchasing, production, and testing.
Your profile
- Technical training in mechanical engineering (Higher Technical Institute for Mechanical Engineering, design engineering apprenticeship, technician diploma) or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Additional qualifications in aerospace structures, lightweight construction, or composite materials are a significant advantage.
- 3-7 years of practical mechanical design experience, ideally in aerospace, UAS, automotive lightweight construction, or similarly regulated environments. A verifiable portfolio of approved manufacturing drawings is required.
- Proficient in at least one common CAD platform (PTC Creo is an advantage). Solid knowledge of GD&T according to ISO or ASME standards. Experience with PLM/PDM environments and structured release workflows. Familiarity with FEM tools at a reading level is sufficient – full FEM authorship lies with simulation and validation.
- Understanding of EASA Part 21 design data requirements. Familiarity with DOA documentation (major/minor change classification).
- German and English at a working level — drawings, change requests, and supplier communication are routinely conducted in both languages.
- Detail-oriented, with an entrepreneurial perspective that extends beyond pure design. Consistently enforces tolerance discipline, even under time pressure. Considers costs, manufacturability, and testability from the outset, rather than treating them as secondary issues. Strong written communication — drawing notes must be unambiguous. Collegial relationship with the workshop: drawings are written for practical application, not for the designer's own benefit.
We offer
- Direct design influence on the physical construction of our entire UxV product family
- Collaboration is our top priority. We're not looking for cogs in the machine, but rather individuals who enrich our team and whom we value as people.
- A role with genuine interface responsibility – you're not just a designer, but a link between simulation, purchasing, production, and testing
- Short decision-making processes and open communication are standard practice here. Your ideas won't get lost in bureaucracy, but will be heard, discussed, and implemented.
- Building rather than managing – your models define how our drones are actually built.
- Flexible working hours, hybrid working.
- Modern work environment with its own workshop and prototype construction facilities.
Collective agreement
For this position we offer a gross annual salary starting from € 55,356.00 on a full-time basis. Depending on your qualifications and experience, overpayment is a given for us.
About us
We are VectaCore. A European-owned technology company building unmanned systems (UxV's) for the air, water, and land. As a young company with a fast-growing team backed by the PIERER Digital Holding, we replace manual inspection, transport, and monitoring in industries like critical infrastructure and public safety. We do this because we believe the people who secure, protect, and build our world deserve uncompromising autonomy across every domain.