Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, specializing in the design, manufacture, and delivery of commercial aircraft, military transports, helicopters, and space systems. As one of the world's largest aerospace companies, it employs over 130,000 people globally and operates as a cornerstone of European industrial collaboration and technological innovation. Spain plays a vital role in Airbus's global operations, hosting major production and engineering centers in Getafe, Seville, and Cádiz. The company is a major employer for international talent in Spain, offering a multicultural work environment where English is the primary language for technical and management roles, alongside comprehensive relocation support for specialized engineering positions.

Airbus was established in 1970 as a European consortium to challenge the dominance of American aerospace manufacturers. It grew through the integration of major national aerospace companies from France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, including the merger with Spain's CASA in 1999.

Perception Technology Lead

Airbus Spain

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Job Description:

Airbus Helicopters is looking for a Perception Technology Lead (f/m) based in Getafe (Madrid metropolitan area). We are looking for passionate individuals to join a cross-divisional project that will shape the future of autonomous flight for UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) and enable 24/7 mission capabilities in the most challenging operational conditions.

The position is functionally attached to the Head of Engineering Spain and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain.

Your working environment:

You will be based in Getafe, Airbus's third-largest site globally and a unique aerospace ecosystem where all three divisions converge. Madrid is one of Europe's most vibrant capitals, offering a premier lifestyle for those looking to balance a high-impact career with a vibrant cultural scene. You will collaborate closely with various Engineering departments, the Research & Technology Program, and the Helicopter Programs.

Your challenges:

Technology Curation & Trade-offs: Conduct deep-dive technology assessments across active and passive sensor markets (LiDAR, SWIR, LWIR, Radar) to define the optimal perception mix for Degraded Visual Environments (DVE).
Experimental Sensor Fusion Architecture: Design the logical framework to fuse 3D point-clouds with multi-spectral imagery, creating a high-confidence "world view" that enables smart decision-making in autonomous and crewed flight.
Visual Augmentation Strategy: Architect how fused situational data is presented to the crew or remote pilot, focusing on reducing cognitive workload and enhancing obstacle detection in low-visibility conditions.
Maturation Pipeline Ownership: Lead the "fail-fast, learn-fast" verification cycle, moving perception algorithms from laboratory benches to rapid UAS testbed deployments and finally to full-scale helicopter flight evaluations.
Collaborative Technical Interface: Act as the primary technical point of contact for high-tech sensor startups and research partners, managing the integration of disruptive payloads into experimental platforms.
Autonomous Capability Enabler: Partner with flight control technologists to integrate perception maps into the navigation loop, enabling safe routing and obstacle avoidance in GNSS-denied environments.
Innovation Agility: Navigate complex industrial processes with a "startup" mindset, optimizing lead times for rapid sensor modifications and managing SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) trade-offs.

Your profile:

Education: Master's or PhD in Telecommunications, Photonics, Robotics, or Aerospace Engineering. A strong academic focus on Computer Vision or Sensor Fusion is highly valued.
Professional Experience:At least 5 years of experience in high-tech R&D or aerospace systems integration. We value experience in agile defense-tech firms or aerospace OEMs focused on "Forward Deployed Engineering."
Domain Expertise: Proven track record in selecting and validating multi-spectral airborne sensors, LiDAR, or airborne perception suites.
Systems Safety & Interoperability Mastery: General understanding of design assurance (DO-178C, DO-254) combined with hands-on knowledge of data streaming and interoperability protocols such as STANAG 4609 and ARINC-429.
Technologist Mindset: You are comfortable working in the "gray area" between laboratory code and flight hardware. You prefer rapid prototyping and iterative testing over traditional, long-cycle design processes.
Interdisciplinary Communication: Ability to translate loose mission "desirements" into strict technical requirements for international engineering teams and global suppliers.
Language: Fluent English (C1 minimum) and Spanish.
Travel: Availability to travel sporadically at a national and European level in line with flight testing plans.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Helicopters España, SA

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Research and Technology

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.