Team Lead Testing (m/f/d)
NEX Aero GmbH Office, NEX Aero GmbH HQ
Full-time
Permanent employee
About the role
NEX Aero GmbH is looking for a Team Lead Testing (m/f/d) to build and lead the test function for our first full-scale prototype aircraft, in direct support of the company's flight test and production ramp-up program. You will own the test strategy from component and subsystem level through system integration, ground and flight testing, and ensure that every test is planned, executed, analyzed and documented in line with aviation standards. As a hands-on leader, you will build a small, high-performing team of test engineers and technicians, stay close to the hardware on the test bench and at the test site, and turn test results into clear decisions for Engineering. 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 safely into the air.
Your responsibilities
1. Build and Lead the Test Team (Leadership)
Build, lead and develop a high-performing test team and establish the test function as a reliable partner for Engineering and the program.
Own verification and validation of the prototype aircraft from subsystem level to flight test, and keep the test campaign on track.
Ensure all test activities follow aviation quality and safety standards and help prepare the organization for future certification (e.g. DOA/POA requirements).
Feed test findings back into the design to make the aircraft safer, more reliable and easier to test.
Build the test infrastructure needed to scale testing from prototype to production.
Build, lead and develop a high-performing test team and establish the test function as a reliable partner for Engineering and the program.
- Build, lead and mentor a team of test engineers and test technicians, including recruiting, onboarding and performance development
- Set priorities, allocate resources and plan test activities in line with the program schedule and milestones
- Establish test best practices, standards and review processes across the team
- Stay hands-on: review test setups, support critical test campaigns and test alongside your team
Own verification and validation of the prototype aircraft from subsystem level to flight test, and keep the test campaign on track.
- Define the test strategy and V&V plan derived from system and subsystem requirements, covering component and bench tests, HIL/SIL, system integration, ground and flight tests
- Plan, prepare and execute functional, environmental and structural tests, including ground runs and flight tests together with flight operations
- Analyze test and flight data, identify root causes of failures and provide clear technical conclusions and recommendations to Engineering
- Specify, build up and maintain test benches, test instrumentation, data acquisition and ground support equipment
Ensure all test activities follow aviation quality and safety standards and help prepare the organization for future certification (e.g. DOA/POA requirements).
- Create and maintain test plans, test procedures, test reports and requirements traceability
- Establish safety processes for test campaigns, including test readiness reviews, risk assessments and go/no-go criteria
- Track defects and non-conformances through a structured ticket process and drive them to closure
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental rules during testing, including the handling of high-voltage systems, batteries and hazardous materials
Feed test findings back into the design to make the aircraft safer, more reliable and easier to test.
- Feed lessons learned from test campaigns into design iterations, and support design-for-test, test coverage and continuous improvement of the aircraft
Build the test infrastructure needed to scale testing from prototype to production.
- Drive the setup of test labs, test benches and test sites, including coordination of test site access and flight permits
- Introduce and improve test automation, data management and analysis tools to increase test efficiency
- Manage test equipment, test budget and external test partners and suppliers
- Day-to-day alignment with the Program Manager (PM), System Owners (SO), design engineers and flight operations
- Regular status updates on test progress, results and risks to the CTO, with additional C-level updates as needed
Your profile
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable field
- 5+ years of experience in testing, verification and validation of aircraft, UAVs or other complex mechatronic systems, including at least 2 years in a leadership or team lead role
- Hands-on experience in planning and executing ground and flight tests, ideally with UAVs, eVTOL or experimental aircraft
- Solid understanding of aircraft systems, including propulsion, flight controls, avionics, electrical and high-voltage/battery systems
- Experience with test benches, instrumentation, data acquisition and telemetry systems, as well as flight data analysis tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
- Familiarity with requirements-based testing, HIL/SIL environments and test automation; knowledge of aviation standards (e.g. EASA SC-VTOL, Part-21, DO-160) is a plus
- Comfort operating with ambiguity in a fast-scaling, resource-constrained environment, and willingness to cover adjacent topics (test infrastructure, procurement, test site logistics) as needed
- Structured and analytical way of working, with a strong commitment to quality, safety and documentation, and the ability to translate complex test results into clear action items
- 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 the test function from the ground up, lead your own team and see your direct impact on test campaigns, the first flight of our prototype aircraft 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.