Manager - Design, Analysis & Development

Title: Manager or Deputy Manager – Design, Analysis & Development Role Overview The Manager or Deputy Manager – Design, Analysis & Development will lead the complete lifecycle engineering of UAV, Loitering Munitions & Warhead from conceptual design, aerodynamic analysis, structural design, payload integration, system engineering, prototyping, to qualification and development of the end product. The role demands strong technical competence in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering only, hands-on design & analysis capability and leadership of multi-disciplinary teams. Key Responsibilities Conceptual & Preliminary Design - Lead end-to-end conceptualization of UAV configurations: fixed-wing, VTOL, hybrid, rotary-wing and Loitering Munitions. - Evaluate mission requirements, aerodynamic efficiency, payload needs, endurance, propulsion choices and environmental factors. - Develop system-level architecture, including avionics, propulsion, payloads, airframe and datalink placement. Detailed Mechanical & Aerostructural Design - CAD design of structures, airframes, fuselage components, deployable wings, launch systems such as catapult and pneumatic, control surfaces and internal packaging. - Lead design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA). - Manage creation of engineering drawings, BOMs, GD&T and production documentation. - Work closely with composites teams on CFRP/GFRP layup design, mould design, curing processes and laminate optimization. Structural, Modal & Thermal Analysis - Drive FEA/CFD simulations to validate strength, fatigue, buckling, modal behaviour, thermal loads and crash survivability. - Optimize aerodynamics using CFD for lift/drag, stability, stall characteristics and mission performance. - Perform multi-disciplinary optimizations to reduce airframe weight and improve stiffness and reliability. Systems Engineering & Subsystem Integration (From design perspective) - Lead integration of propulsion systems (ICE/Electric), avionics, sensors, communication modules and payloads. - Develop system architecture documents, ICDs, wiring harness layouts, load cases and design rules. - Coordinate integration of weaponization modules for loitering munitions: warhead, fuse, safety and arming mechanism (SAM). - Collaborate with software, GNC and electronics teams to ensure seamless mechanical-electrical-software integration. Prototyping, Testing & Verification - Oversee prototyping through in-house and vendor fabrication of composites, machining and additive manufacturing. - Define test plans for structural tests, drop tests, wind tunnel tests, and endurance trials. - Support flight testing campaigns and iterate designs based on telemetry, FDR data and ground assessments. - Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, STANAG, JSS-55555, DGCA, CEMILAC and certification requirements for airworthiness. Lifecycle Management & Documentation - Manage engineering documentation including design reports, test reports, compliance sheets and change management. - Develop configuration management processes aligned with aerospace standards. - Drive PDR, CDR and design review cycles with cross-functional teams and customers. Team Leadership & Project Management - Manage a team of design engineers, analysts, and prototyping technicians. - Plan sprint cycles, resource allocation, and deliverables across multiple UAV programs. - Mentor junior engineers and enforce design discipline, modelling standards and revision control. - Collaborate with supply chain & manufacturing teams for vendor development and cost-optimized production. Required Skills & Experience Technical Expertise - B.Tech/ M.Tech/ MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering only. - 7 - 12 years in UAV/aerospace/defence mechanical design, systems engineering or aerostructures. - Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and CAE tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, HyperMesh). - Hands-on experience with CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, StarCCM+). - Strong fundamentals in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, structures and materials. - Experience designing composite structures, moulds and assemblies. - Knowledge of propulsion (electric/hybrid/IC), control surfaces, linkages and kinematics. - Understanding of UAV regulatory and defence standards (indigenous & NATO). - Demonstrated experience taking UAVs from concept → prototype → flight-tested product. - Experience in Loitering Munitions, Swarm UAVs, VTOL systems or high-endurance fixed-wing platforms. - Familiarity with warhead integration, safe-separation analysis and MIL compliance (for defence-focused roles). - Exposure to wind tunnel testing and high-fidelity modelling.