Head of Design Services & Compliance Verification Engineer (d/f/m)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design Services & Compliance Verification Engineer (d/f/m)

Company: Airbus (Aerostack GmbH)

Location: Taufkirchen / Ottobrunn, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Operations / Compliance & Verification

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Professional (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads and drives the Design Service Team, managing design services for aeronautic PEM fuel cell stack projects within the Aerostack Joint Venture.

• Develops and implements Verification & Validation (V&V) strategies to ensure Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5+ compliance and compliance with aeronautic standards.

• Establishes certification baselines and robust relationships with airworthiness authorities for fuel cell technology.

• Oversees requirements traceability, data correlation, and documentation for formal milestone progression and certification dossiers.

• Provides technical mentorship and professional development to stack designers, ensuring adherence to CAD and configuration management standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Aerostack GmbH, a joint venture between Airbus and an automotive company, specifically focused on developing PEM fuel cell stacks for aeronautic applications. This indicates a strong emphasis on integrating aerospace-grade engineering rigor with automotive development efficiencies. The "Head of Design Services" title suggests significant leadership and team management responsibilities, while "Compliance Verification Engineer" highlights a critical focus on regulatory adherence and validation processes essential for aviation. The target is to bridge the gap between R&D (TRL 3) and initial certification (TRL 5+).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Service Team Leadership:

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of stack designers, assigning tasks based on strengths and fostering professional development.
  • Define and enforce CAD standards, manage the project pipeline to ensure timely delivery, and maintain configuration management.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between management, project management, and the design team.

• Verification & Validation (V&V) Strategy:

  • Define V&V means aligned with qualification requirements from Airbus and industry standards.
  • Develop comprehensive V&V plans, test cases, and procedures for components and stacks, adhering to the V-Model.
  • Design, set up, and coordinate V&V tests on early-stage prototypes in lab and industrially relevant environments (TRL 5+).
  • Ensure continuous traceability between product requirements, system specifications, and test results using requirements management tools.
  • Steer and oversee all validation and verification activities.

• Certification Strategy & Compliance:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with Airbus safety and airworthiness teams, as well as certification authorities.
  • Identify relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and compliance requirements (e.g., DO-160, ASR, ABD100) early in the engineering phase.
  • Define and execute preliminary tests to identify potential certification roadblocks well in advance of final homologation.
  • Develop the foundational certification documentation framework for technology transition from TRL 3 to TRL 5 and beyond.
  • Act as the initial point of contact for external testing houses and regulatory bodies to align on certification roadmaps for TRL 5+.

• Data Analysis & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Analyze test data, identify failure modes, and document results in clear, actionable engineering reports.

  • Validate empirical test data against analytical models and maintain strict requirements traceability.

  • Provide feedback to design, test engineers, and architects based on test failures to drive iterative design improvements.

  • Act as the primary contact for engineers, architects, or manufacturing teams to resolve design conflicts and integrate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus: leading a design team and spearheading the compliance and V&V efforts for early-stage fuel cell technology. The emphasis on "TRL 5+" indicates a critical phase where R&D transitions into a more formalized engineering and certification pathway, requiring a strong understanding of aerospace development lifecycles and regulatory frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: 3+ years of hands-on professional background in Engineering, Testing, or Verification & Validation (V&V).

TRL Expertise: Proven experience working with early-to-mid-stage R&D projects and a solid understanding of demonstrating Technology Readiness Level (TRL) qualifications (up to TRL 6).

Certification Acumen: Experience bridging R&D with initial certification and compliance standards is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.

• Verification & Validation (V&V): In-depth knowledge of V&V methodologies, test planning, execution, and reporting.

• Requirements Management: Proficiency with requirements management and tracking software (e.g., Siemens Polarion, IBM DOORS, Jira).

• Technical Data Interpretation: Ability to understand and interpret complex technical data, 3D-CAD models, electrical schematics, and simulation results (e.g., FEM, CFD).

• Certification Standards: Familiarity with relevant aerospace certification standards (e.g., DO-160, ASR, ABD100).

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Strong analytical skills for test data interpretation and clear, concise reporting.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse engineering disciplines and stakeholders.

• Configuration Management: Understanding and application of configuration management principles.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent proficiency in both English and German is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

• Test Automation & Data Acquisition: Familiarity with test automation, data analysis, and data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, Python scripting).

• Prototyping: Experience in designing and setting up early-stage prototypes for testing.

• Systems Engineering: Solid understanding of systems engineering principles within complex product development.

• Google Workspace: Proficiency is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for fluency in both English and German is a significant factor for this role, reflecting its operational context within Germany and its international collaboration within Airbus. The mention of specific tools like Polarion and DOORS, along with simulation types (FEM, CFD) and scripting languages (Python), indicates a hands-on technical expectation for interpreting and managing engineering data.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies on V&V Strategy Development: Demonstrating experience in defining comprehensive V&V plans for complex components or systems, outlining methodologies, test objectives, and success criteria.

• Examples of Requirements Traceability Implementation: Showcasing the use of tools (e.g., Polarion, DOORS) to link product requirements to system specifications and test results, ensuring full coverage and auditability.

• Demonstration of Compliance Verification Processes: Presenting examples of how early-stage testing and pre-compliance activities were conducted to identify and mitigate potential certification roadblocks for TRL 5+ technologies.

• Documentation Framework Examples: Providing samples or descriptions of documentation frameworks developed for transitioning R&D projects through TRL milestones towards certification.

Process Documentation:

• V&V Plan Development: Documented processes for creating robust V&V plans that align with engineering requirements, V-Model principles, and relevant industry standards.

• Test Execution & Data Analysis Protocols: Standard operating procedures for conducting laboratory and prototype testing, including data acquisition, analysis, failure mode identification, and reporting.

• Requirements Management Workflows: Documented workflows for managing, tracking, and ensuring traceability of requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Certification Roadmap Planning: Processes for initial scoping, stakeholder engagement (internal and external), and the development of certification roadmaps for new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving both team leadership and technical compliance, a portfolio should emphasize not just individual contributions but also the processes and methodologies employed to achieve results. Demonstrating the ability to build and manage structured processes, especially for V&V and certification, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the professional experience level (2-5 years), leadership responsibilities, and location in Germany within a major aerospace company like Airbus, the estimated annual gross salary range is €65,000 - €85,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Engineering Team Leads and Compliance Engineers in the German aerospace sector, considering the high cost of living in the Munich metropolitan area and the specialized nature of fuel cell technology.

Benefits:

• Challenging tasks with unique services and products.

• Pleasant working atmosphere in a professional and international environment.

• Comprehensive on-boarding program.

• Extensive company training offers (eLearning and Classroom Trainings).

• Flexible working hours.

• Compatibility of work and family life support.

• Attractive remuneration package.

• Company Pension Scheme.

• Employee Stock Options.

• Discounted car leasing opportunities.

• Good connections to public transport and local parking facilities.

• On-site catering facilities.

• Flexible working between home and office is available.

Working Hours: Based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Germany, factoring in the employer's prestige and the specific technical demands. The provided benefits are extensive and typical for a large, established corporation like Airbus, offering a strong value proposition to employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, with a specific focus on the emerging field of Zero Emission Aircraft development through advanced fuel cell technology. Aerostack GmbH operates at the intersection of aerospace and automotive engineering.

Company Size: Airbus is a global leader in the aerospace industry, employing over 130,000 people worldwide. Aerostack, as a joint venture, likely operates with a focused, agile team structure while leveraging the resources and standards of its parent organizations.

Founded: Airbus was founded in 1970. Aerostack GmbH's founding date is not specified but is recent, aligning with Airbus's strategic push into zero-emission aviation.

Team Structure:

• Engineering Department Focus: The role is within the Engineering Department, reporting to the Head of Engineering.

• Design Service Team: This team is responsible for the technical design and CAD output for the fuel cell stacks.

• V&V and Compliance Team: This group focuses on testing, validation, and ensuring adherence to strict aeronautic standards and TRL progression.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration is expected with Project Management, Safety, Airworthiness, and potentially Manufacturing teams.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Likely employs agile methodologies for rapid prototyping and iterative design, especially in R&D phases.

• V-Model: Explicitly mentioned for V&V activities, indicating a structured approach to development and testing.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes validation of empirical test data against analytical models and robust reporting.

• Standardization: Focus on establishing and enforcing CAD standards, configuration management, and compliance protocols.

Company Website: [Airbus Company URL - Provided in Input Data: https://ag.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Airbus]

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual parentage of Aerostack (Airbus & automotive) suggests a culture that blends the rigorous, safety-critical discipline of aerospace with the efficiency and innovation pace often found in the automotive sector. The focus on "Zero Emission Aircraft" highlights a forward-looking, sustainability-driven mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Professional" level, specifically a "Head of" for Design Services and a "Compliance Verification Engineer." It signifies a senior individual contributor or early-stage management role, requiring both technical depth and leadership capabilities. The scope involves leading a team and defining critical V&V and compliance strategies.

Reporting Structure: The jobholder reports operationally and functionally to the Head of Engineering. This suggests a direct line of responsibility for team performance and technical execution within the engineering function.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the development and de-risking of critical fuel cell technology for zero-emission aircraft. Successful V&V and compliance verification are foundational for meeting airworthiness requirements, enabling the transition of this technology from R&D to commercial application, and ultimately contributing to Airbus's strategic goals in sustainable aviation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in PEM fuel cell technology, aerospace certification processes, and advanced V&V techniques.

• Leadership Development: Progress into higher management roles within Engineering, potentially leading larger teams or broader functional areas within Aerostack or Airbus.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles focusing on program management, certification authority liaison, or advanced R&D within Airbus's sustainability initiatives.

• Industry Influence: The role offers the potential to shape the certification landscape for new aerospace propulsion technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Head of Design Services" aspect points towards a management track, while "Compliance Verification Engineer" speaks to a deep technical specialization. Growth will likely involve balancing these two facets, with potential to lead larger engineering departments or take on strategic compliance roles within Airbus's future aviation programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, allowing for flexible collaboration between home and the office. The primary work locations are Taufkirchen / Ottobrunn, which are part of the Munich metropolitan area, known for its strong engineering and technology hubs.

Office Location(s): Taufkirchen / Ottobrunn, Germany. These locations are likely equipped with modern laboratory facilities for V&V activities, design offices, and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect modern office layouts designed to foster cross-functional collaboration among engineers, project managers, and leadership.

• Laboratory Facilities: Access to or oversight of state-of-the-art labs for prototyping, testing, and validation of fuel cell components and stacks.

• Technology Integration: Workspaces will be equipped with necessary engineering software, CAD stations, data acquisition systems, and communication tools to support hybrid working.

• International Atmosphere: As part of Airbus, the environment will be multicultural and international.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week with flexible working hours and the option for hybrid work, promoting a balance between structured V&V/design tasks and autonomous work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement and flexible hours suggest a modern work culture that values employee autonomy while ensuring essential in-person collaboration for design reviews, lab work, and team leadership. The Munich area offers a high quality of life and a concentration of engineering talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on required experience, technical skills, and language proficiency.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions on V&V strategies, TRL progression, certification processes, and technical problem-solving. Expect scenario-based questions related to design conflicts or test failures.

• Leadership/Team Management Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team mentoring capabilities, and experience in managing engineering resources and standards.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of the candidate's alignment with Airbus/Aerostack values, including pragmatism, a "can-do attitude," and ability to thrive in a multicultural setting.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic vision for design services and compliance verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structured Case Studies: For V&V and certification, present structured case studies detailing the problem, your approach (methodology, tools used), the solution/outcome, and quantified results (e.g., reduction in testing time, successful TRL progression, identified risks).

• Process Flow Diagrams: Illustrate your understanding of process development by including diagrams for V&V workflows, requirements management, or certification roadmapping.

• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Briefly demonstrate or describe your proficiency with key tools like Polarion, DOORS, or LabVIEW, highlighting how you've used them to achieve specific engineering outcomes.

• Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you've mentored team members, improved engineering methods, or managed project pipelines to meet deadlines.

• Language Fluency Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss technical concepts fluently in both English and German.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problem Solving: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios involving design integration challenges, unexpected test results, or certification roadblocks. Focus on your analytical process and decision-making.

• Strategy Articulation: Be ready to articulate your strategy for establishing certification baselines for a new technology like fuel cells and your approach to managing V&V activities under the V-Model.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage relationships with internal engineering teams, project management, and external certification authorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, assessing both technical and leadership competencies. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates process ownership, V&V expertise, and leadership experience will be crucial for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Requirements Management: Siemens Polarion, IBM DOORS, Jira (proficiency expected).

• CAD Software: Understanding and interpretation of complex 3D-CAD models (specific software not listed, but common in aerospace/automotive).

• Simulation Software: Familiarity with interpreting results from FEM (Finite Element Method) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analyses.

• Test & Data Acquisition: LabVIEW, Python scripting (for automation, data analysis).

• Productivity Suites: Google Workspace is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing empirical test data, identifying failure modes, and generating engineering reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly CRM, requirements management tools like Polarion and Jira often incorporate workflow automation for managing tasks and approvals.

• Python scripting can be used for automating data analysis and reporting tasks.

• Potential for integration tools to link CAD, simulation, and V&V data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on requirements management software (Polarion, DOORS, Jira), interpretation of simulation results (FEM, CFD), and data analysis tools (LabVIEW, Python) indicates a need for a technically proficient engineer who can effectively manage complex data streams and technical documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Pragmatism & Simplicity: Striving for practical, straightforward solutions in complex engineering challenges.

• Execution Drive: A strong "Can-do attitude" and a focus on driving tasks to completion and achieving results.

• Collaboration: Thriving in a multidisciplinary and multicultural setting, working effectively with diverse teams.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively improving engineering methods, tools, and skills within the design service team.

• Integrity & Compliance: Commitment to acting with integrity and adhering to all compliance risks and regulations, crucial for aviation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Acting as a primary point of contact, resolving design conflicts, and integrating feedback from various engineering and manufacturing disciplines.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Providing technical guidance and professional development to team members, fostering a learning environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders (management, project management) and external bodies (certification authorities, testing houses).

• Feedback Loop: Working closely with design and test engineers to provide constructive feedback based on V&V results, driving iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values emphasize a results-oriented, collaborative, and ethical approach. The blend of pragmatism from automotive and rigorous compliance from aerospace is likely a key cultural driver for Aerostack.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Early-Stage Technology Development: Navigating the inherent uncertainties of developing novel fuel cell technology for aeronautic applications.

• Bridging R&D and Certification: Effectively transitioning a technology from early research (TRL 3) to a certifiable state (TRL 5+) requires managing different development phases and expectations.

• Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment between design services, V&V, safety, airworthiness, and manufacturing teams, potentially across different organizational cultures (Airbus vs. automotive partner).

• Regulatory Landscape: Staying abreast of evolving aerospace certification requirements for new propulsion technologies and establishing a clear pathway with authorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Fuel Cell Technology: Gaining specialized knowledge in PEM fuel cell stacks for aerospace, including their unique performance characteristics and integration challenges.

• Aerospace Certification Mastery: Developing expert-level understanding of aviation certification processes, standards (DO-160, etc.), and regulatory engagement strategies.

• Leadership and Team Management: Honing skills in leading engineering teams, managing resources, and fostering professional growth for direct reports.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding the broader product development lifecycle within Airbus, from concept to production and certification.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to represent Aerostack/Airbus at industry events related to sustainable aviation and fuel cell technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in pioneering a new technology pathway within a highly regulated industry. Growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who can effectively navigate this complex technical and regulatory landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a design service team and ensuring adherence to CAD and configuration management standards while fostering professional development." (Focus on leadership, process, and people management).

• "How would you develop a V&V strategy for a novel fuel cell component to achieve TRL 5+ compliance, considering potential certification roadblocks?" (Focus on V&V methodology, TRL understanding, and proactive risk identification).

• "Walk me through your process for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with airworthiness authorities and certification bodies for a new aerospace technology." (Focus on stakeholder management, regulatory understanding, and documentation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Airbus's strategy for zero-emission aircraft, and how does Aerostack fit into that vision?" (Demonstrate research and strategic alignment).

• "Describe a time you had to work across different engineering disciplines or organizational cultures to achieve a common goal. How did you navigate it?" (Assess collaboration and adaptability).

• "How do you embody a 'can-do attitude' and pragmatism in your work, especially when facing complex technical challenges?" (Assess cultural fit and problem-solving approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process Ownership: For each project, clearly articulate the process you followed (e.g., V&V plan development, requirements management workflow) and your role in its definition or execution.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your efforts (e.g., "Reduced testing time by X%," "Successfully passed TRL 5 milestone on schedule," "Identified Y critical design flaws pre-certification").

• Visual Aids: Use flowcharts for processes, simplified diagrams for technical concepts, and clear screenshots of tool usage (e.g., Polarion interface) to make your presentation engaging and informative.

• Language Fluency: Be prepared to present and discuss your portfolio in both English and German, showcasing your dual-language capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase a blend of technical expertise, process-oriented thinking, leadership experience, and strong communication skills, particularly in both English and German. Demonstrating a proactive approach to compliance and risk mitigation will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in Verification & Validation (V&V), TRL progression, compliance verification, team leadership, and proficiency with relevant tools like Siemens Polarion or IBM DOORS. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your experience in leading design services, developing V&V strategies, or navigating certification pathways. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your process ownership, problem-solving skills, and impact (quantified where possible).

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering technical/behavioral questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your fluency in both English and German.

• Research Airbus & Aerostack: Understand Airbus's strategic direction for zero-emission aviation and Aerostack's role within it. Familiarize yourself with the company's values and engineering culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.