Working Student Drone Prototyping (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student Drone Prototyping (m/f/d)

Company: Alpine Eagle GmbH

Location: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Engineering / Hardware Development

Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is ideal for an aspiring engineer passionate about hands-on hardware development within the cutting-edge field of counter-drone defence.

• You will be instrumental in the physical realization of advanced drone and counter-UAS systems through prototyping and integration.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a fast-paced, deep-tech startup environment.

• You will contribute directly to the development lifecycle, from component design and fabrication to integration and flight test support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a "Working Student," indicating a part-time position designed for individuals currently pursuing their degree. The focus on "tinkering" and "building things" clearly positions this as a hands-on, practical engineering role, rather than a theoretical or research-focused one. The mention of "deep-tech" and "swarm-based, airborne counter-drone system" highlights the innovative and complex nature of the company's work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical and electrical prototyping of advanced drone systems and counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) technologies.

• Contribute to the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) process for components and sub-assemblies, ensuring design feasibility and manufacturability.

• Fabricate and modify prototype parts using additive manufacturing (3D printing) and conventional workshop tools.

• Perform precise cable harnessing and wiring tasks to connect electronic components and systems.

• Integrate various electronic components, including radio links and communication modules, into prototype platforms.

• Assist in the overall hardware integration of systems, preparing them for rigorous flight testing.

• Provide support during field and flight test activities, documenting observations and performance.

• Maintain detailed documentation of prototypes, design iterations, and implemented improvements for knowledge sharing and future development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are directly tied to the physical creation and testing of hardware prototypes for complex aerospace systems. This emphasizes a practical, iterative development process common in deep-tech hardware startups. The inclusion of "counter-UAS systems" and "swarm-based" technology points to a specific, advanced application area within aerospace and defence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled student pursuing a degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field). A Bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement.

Experience: Demonstrated strong hands-on experience in building and tinkering, evidenced through activities such as model aircraft clubs, university design teams, or personal engineering projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with CAD software for component and assembly design.

• Familiarity with 3D printing technologies and operation of workshop tools for fabrication and modification.

• Practical knowledge and hands-on experience with electronics integration and wiring.

• A genuine interest in drones, UAV systems, and emerging counter-UAS technologies.

• A structured, independent, and proactive approach to problem-solving and task execution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific aerospace or defence system development cycles.

• Familiarity with electronic testing equipment and diagnostic tools.

• Basic understanding of aerospace principles, aerodynamics, or control systems.

• Experience with documentation and version control for hardware designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, "maker" skills alongside academic pursuits. The company is looking for students who are already actively engaged in building and problem-solving, indicating a strong preference for practical application over theoretical knowledge alone. The mention of "deep-tech" and "aerospace engineering" suggests a high technical bar.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of personal or academic projects involving hardware design, fabrication, and integration, ideally related to aerospace or robotics.

• Examples of CAD models, 3D prints, or other manufactured components, demonstrating design skills and attention to detail.

• Documentation of wiring diagrams, cable harnesses, or electronic integration projects, illustrating practical electrical engineering skills.

• Case studies of iterative design processes, highlighting problem-solving approaches and improvements made during development.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented your design and build processes, including any iterations or modifications made.

• Demonstrations of how you approach problem-solving and troubleshooting during the prototyping phase.

• Evidence of how you manage and organize project components, tools, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a working student role focused on prototyping, the portfolio is less about formal process optimization and more about demonstrating hands-on capability, creativity, and a systematic approach to building and testing hardware. The emphasis is on tangible examples of work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a "Working Student" position in Germany, compensation will be in line with industry standards for student roles, typically paid hourly or monthly. Based on typical student working hours (e.g., 15-20 hours/week) and the engineering field in Karlsruhe, a range of €12-€18 per hour is a reasonable estimate.

Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in a cutting-edge deep-tech startup environment.

• Opportunity to work on advanced drone and counter-UAS technologies.

• Direct contribution to a mission-driven company shaping the future of aerial security.

• Exposure to a fast-paced, international, and highly skilled team.

• Potential for future career growth and development within Alpine Eagle.

• Networking opportunities within the aerospace and defence technology sectors.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position, typically around 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. Specific daily hours will be agreed upon with the hiring team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on common practices for "Werkstudent" (working student) positions in Germany within technical fields, considering the location in Karlsruhe and the specialized nature of the company. Benefits are focused on the learning and development aspects crucial for student roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Deep-tech, Aerospace Engineering, Defence Systems, Machine Learning. Alpine Eagle operates at the intersection of these advanced fields, developing novel solutions for aerial security.

Company Size: Alpine Eagle is a fast-growing, international deep-tech company. While the exact size isn't specified, "fast-growing" suggests a dynamic startup environment, likely with a team ranging from dozens to potentially a hundred or more employees.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's description as "fast-growing" implies it is an established entity that has achieved significant traction and funding, rather than an early-stage startup.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to engineering leads, likely within a hardware development or flight test team.

• There is close collaboration with the flight test team, indicating a strong integration between development and operational deployment.

• As a "deep-tech" company, expect a team composed of highly specialized engineers and researchers.

Methodology:

• The company employs an iterative development process for its hardware prototypes, involving design, build, test, and refinement cycles.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, especially with the integration of machine learning and the focus on performance during flight testing.

• A culture of rapid prototyping and experimentation is central to the company's approach.

Company Website: alpineeagle.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as mission-driven, international, and deeply rooted in advanced technology. The "deep-tech" label implies a focus on innovation, complex problem-solving, and a highly skilled workforce. The fast-growing nature suggests an agile, potentially demanding, but rewarding environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time "Working Student" position. It is designed for individuals currently pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degrees and offers foundational experience in hardware prototyping and aerospace engineering.

Reporting Structure: The working student will report to engineering leads within the hardware development or flight test departments. This provides direct mentorship and supervision from experienced professionals in the field.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the GTM sense, the impact is on the development and functionality of the core product: the counter-drone system. Successful prototyping directly accelerates the product development lifecycle, contributing to the company's mission and competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen practical skills in mechanical and electrical prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, and system integration. Gain exposure to advanced aerospace and defence technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Immerse oneself in the deep-tech startup ecosystem and the specialized field of counter-UAS technology.

• Networking: Build connections with experienced engineers and industry professionals within Alpine Eagle.

• Potential Future Roles: For exceptional performers, this role can serve as a strong foundation for future full-time engineering positions (e.g., Junior Engineer, Hardware Engineer) upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is primarily focused on skill acquisition and foundational experience within a specialized engineering domain. It's crucial for applicants to understand that this is a learning-oriented role, with potential for future full-time employment if performance and academic progress align.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Alpine Eagle operates in a fast-paced, international deep-tech startup environment. This typically translates to a modern office space that fosters collaboration and innovation, likely with dedicated workshop areas for prototyping.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This region is known for its strong technological and research institutions, providing a fertile ground for engineering talent and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will include access to prototyping equipment such as 3D printers and workshop tools, as well as CAD workstations.

• Expect a collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, and teamwork is essential for overcoming technical challenges.

• Close proximity and interaction with the flight test team will be common, offering insights into real-world system performance.

Work Schedule: The role is part-time (approx. 15-20 hours/week) with flexibility to accommodate academic commitments. This allows students to balance their studies with practical work experience, requiring efficient time management and self-direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup environment" suggests a dynamic, hands-on, and potentially less formal work setting compared to larger corporations. The emphasis on "deep-tech" and "aerospace" points to a high-tech, intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess academic background and practical experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on engineering fundamentals, CAD skills, electronics knowledge, and hands-on project experience. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Practical Assessment/Workshop Visit: Potentially a hands-on demonstration of skills or a visit to the prototyping workshop to gauge familiarity with tools and processes.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with engineering leads and team members to assess collaboration style, proactivity, and alignment with the startup culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Practicality: Showcase tangible projects that demonstrate your ability to design, build, and test hardware. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Use "I" statements for individual contributions.

• Visual Documentation: Include clear photos, videos, or diagrams of your projects. For CAD, show models and assemblies. For electronics, provide wiring schematics or photos of your work.

• Process Explanation: Briefly explain your design and build process for key projects, emphasizing problem-solving and iteration.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for student projects, try to mention any measurable outcomes or improvements achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Fundamentals: Brush up on core mechanical and electrical engineering principles relevant to drone systems.

• CAD Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific CAD software and potentially demonstrate basic modeling skills.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common prototyping challenges (e.g., component integration issues, material limitations, wiring complexity).

• Company Research: Understand Alpine Eagle's mission, technology, and market position in counter-drone defence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a working student role will heavily emphasize practical skills and potential. The portfolio is critical for demonstrating this hands-on capability, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their projects in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Experience with common CAD platforms (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Onshape) is essential for design work.

• 3D Printing: Familiarity with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or other common 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping.

• Workshop Tools: Basic proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and potentially small machining equipment found in a workshop environment.

• Soldering Equipment: Essential for cable harnessing and electronic component integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Documentation Tools: Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software for documenting designs, test results, and project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this prototyping role, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello) might be beneficial for tracking tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards hardware development and fabrication. The emphasis is on the tools used to create and assemble physical prototypes rather than software development or business operations tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Engineering Excellence: A strong drive to push technological boundaries and achieve high-quality engineering outcomes.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: A culture that values practical application, experimentation, and overcoming technical hurdles through direct action.

• Collaboration: Teamwork is critical, especially in a startup environment, to foster idea exchange and collective problem-solving.

• Mission-Driven: A shared commitment to the company's goal of advancing aerial security.

• Adaptability: Comfort and effectiveness in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect frequent interaction with engineering leads, fellow students, and potentially members of the flight test team.

• Communication is likely to be direct and efficient, with a focus on technical details and project progress.

• Cross-functional collaboration with software and ML teams may occur, requiring clear communication of hardware requirements and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are typical of a deep-tech startup focused on innovation and execution. The emphasis on "hands-on problem solving" directly aligns with the nature of the working student role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration: Working in a fast-paced environment means quick design-build-test cycles, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

• Complex Technology: Engaging with advanced aerospace and counter-UAS technologies can present steep learning curves.

• Resource Management: Effectively utilizing workshop tools and 3D printing resources to meet project deadlines.

• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of diverse electronic components and systems into a functional prototype.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Engineering Skills: Gaining invaluable hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical prototyping.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the cutting-edge field of drone technology and defence systems.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced aerospace and hardware engineers.

• Project Ownership: Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to real-world product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a high-tech startup with ambitious goals. The growth opportunities are framed around the unique learning experiences this environment offers to aspiring engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Prototyping Experience: "Tell me about a challenging hardware prototype you built. What were the key components, your design process, and how did you test it?" (Focus on your role, problem-solving, and outcomes).

• CAD & Fabrication: "Describe your experience with CAD software and 3D printing. What are the limitations of 3D printing, and how would you account for them in a design?" (Demonstrate practical understanding).

• Electronics Integration: "Walk me through how you would integrate a new sensor or communication module into an existing drone platform. What are the critical steps and potential issues?" (Showcase logical thinking and technical awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in drone prototyping, specifically counter-UAS technology, and why Alpine Eagle?" (Connect your passion to the company's mission).

• Startup Environment: "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities?" (Highlight adaptability and proactivity).

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you collaborated on a technical project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to team success?" (Emphasize communication and collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Start with your most relevant and impressive work.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution/design, the build process, testing, and the results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, videos, and diagrams to illustrate your work.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your designs, materials, processes, and any challenges encountered.

• Conciseness: Keep explanations clear and to the point, focusing on your specific contributions and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on demonstrating practical skills and a genuine passion for hardware development and the company's specific mission. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your hands-on skills in mechanical and electrical prototyping, CAD design, 3D printing, and electronics integration relevant to drone or aerospace applications.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your engineering studies, relevant project experience (academic, personal, club activities), and proficiency with CAD software, workshop tools, and electronics. Use keywords like "Prototyping," "CAD," "3D Printing," "Electrical Integration," and "Aerospace."

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach, the technical challenges you overcame, and your learning outcomes. Be ready to articulate your interest in Alpine Eagle's mission and technology.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Alpine Eagle's work in counter-drone defence, their technology stack, and their company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and a good fit.

⚠️ 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.

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