Senior Propulsion & Performance Engineer (m/f/d)

TYTAN Technologies The PACE is fast. The expectations are high. The contribution matters. Working at TYTAN is more than a job, this is a mission. We push boundaries, think big, and hold ourselves to the highest standard. Our mission and values guide everything we do, and we're looking for people who are driven by ownership, embrace challenges, and are energized by meaningful work. If you're motivated by impact and thrive in dynamic environments, you'll fit right in. At TYTAN , we aim to set a global standard in autonomous air defense with AI-driven, cost-efficient systems that counter unmanned aerial threats at scale. We protect people. We protect critical infrastructure. We protect European sovereignty. We are looking for a Senior Propulsion & Performance Engineer to make our interceptor drones faster, more agile and more predictable. You will analyze aerodynamics, stability and performance, build the aerodynamic databases and flight dynamics models our GNC and simulation teams rely on, and size and test the propulsion systems that power our interceptors. You will move between analysis, the thrust stand and flight test data, and see your models turn into better aircraft within short iteration cycles. Your roadmap to make an impact • Size and analyze the propulsion system, its aerodynamic, thermal and dynamic performance • Select and size propulsion components such as motors, propellers, ESCs, and batteries, or small turbojets and boosters • Optimize propeller and motor matching for high thrust, fast response, and efficiency across dash and loiter conditions • Analyze battery performance under high discharge rates, including voltage sag, thermal behavior, and usable capacity • Plan and run propulsion tests on thrust stands, and support wind tunnel testing where needed • Support aircraft design and performance analysis activities, e.g. conceptual design studies, stability and controllability analysis. • Support the GNC and Simulation teams in building and validating 6-DOF flight dynamics models • Analyze flight test data, use system identification to refine models, and feed results back into design • Document analyses, test results, and design data for internal teams and customers • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field • Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance • Solid understanding of propulsion: jet engines, motors, propellers, ESCs, and lithium battery systems • Experience with aerodynamic tools such as XFLR5, AVL, OpenVSP, or similar • Experience with CFD (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or SU2) • Familiarity with propeller analysis tools such as XROTOR or QPROP • Programming skills in Python or MATLAB, and experience with Simulink • Hands-on experience with propulsion testing, thrust stands, and data acquisition • Experience analyzing flight test data and log files • Analytical mindset and the ability to judge which fidelity level a question actually needs • Ability to work in a fast-paced startup or defense environment with short iteration cycles • Eligibility for national security clearance, and possibly EU or national citizenship Nice to have • Experience with small UAVs, high-performance drones, FPV racing drones, or loitering munitions • Knowledge of high-speed aerodynamics or small gas turbine and rocket propulsion • Experience with system identification methods • Experience with wind tunnel testing • Background in defense projects or military standards Why TYTAN? • Build technology with real operational impact: Develop autonomous defense systems designed to protect lives and strengthen Europe’s security • Shape scalable defense capabilities: Work on solutions built for mass deployme