Job Title: Head of Flight Physics (f/m/d)
Location: Oberpfaffenhofen (20 Minutes West of Munich)

About the Role

Are you a seasoned leader with deep expertise in flight physics? Our client, an innovative aircraft manufacturer with a proud history, is seeking a Head of Flight Physics to lead a talented team of engineers. This pivotal role will allow you to shape the future of aviation by overseeing critical aspects of aircraft design and performance.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead the Flight Physics Department: You will have disciplinary leadership over the department responsible for key aircraft disciplines, including Aerodynamics, Loads, Aeroelasticity, Engine Performance, Aircraft Performance, Weight & Balance, Handling Qualities Simulations, Lofting, and Masterlines.

• Build Competence and Resources: Your responsibility will include ramping up the necessary competences and capabilities to meet deliverables and manage a team of 30+ engineers within a matrix organization, ensuring alignment with program goals.

• Manage Budgets and Milestones: You will set, manage, and monitor budgets and Earned Value Management (EVM) milestones monthly, ensuring projects stay on track financially and in terms of timeline.

• Develop Processes and Tools: Define and implement the methods, processes, and tools required to execute activities throughout the product lifecycle, from early research and concept phases to continuous product support.

• Resource Planning and Subcontracting: Translate program and project requirements into effective resource planning, including both core and non-core activities, and establish a viable subcontracting policy.

• Team Development: Ensure the engineering team has adequate training in technical skills, processes, and procedures. Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and engage your team to foster a high-performance culture.

• Risk Management: Monitor and control project and technical risks for the Flight Physics department, ensuring that potential issues are proactively identified and mitigated.

• Manage External Relationships: Create statements of work for engineering service providers and manage claims as needed, ensuring that all external collaborations contribute positively to project outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• A degree in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (BA Eng/Sc, MA Eng/Sc).
• Over 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields of aircraft development, with a focus on CS25 aircraft product requirements.
• More than 10 years of experience managing teams of 30-40 engineers in flight physics or related fields.
• A wide proficiency in the latest methods, processes, and tools for flight physics disciplines and design requirements.
• Experience in the development of at least one new aircraft program.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Assertive, proactive, and innovative with a strong ability to distill complex information into executive summaries.

Why Join Us?

Our client is a prestigious aircraft manufacturer located just west of Munich, known for their dedication to innovation and excellence. With a legacy recognized by international aviation authorities, they are committed to developing the next generation of advanced aircraft. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a critical department and make a lasting impact on the future of aviation.

Join a team that shares your vision for safe, energy-efficient flight. Your leadership in flight physics will be key to advancing groundbreaking aircraft technologies.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade