Hybridization and Powertrain Engineer (m/f/d) at NEX Aero · NEX Aero…

About the role

NEX Aero is looking for a Hybridization and Powertrain Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test hybrid-electric propulsion systems for our next-generation heavy-duty UAV platform. You will take ownership of the hybrid powertrain from initial architecture through flight-ready deployment, with a focus on combustion-engine-based serial hybrid systems — range-extender (REX) architectures in which an internal combustion engine drives a generator to supply electrical power to the aircraft's electric propulsion system.

Your responsibilities

• Design and develop serial hybrid-electric powertrain architectures (range-extender configurations), combining combustion engines, generators, and power electronics
• Own hybrid powertrain functionality end to end, from concept and system architecture through flight-ready integration and deployment
• Define and validate combustion engine integration requirements for aerospace use, including thermal management, vibration isolation, fuel system, and exhaust management
• Model and simulate serial hybrid powertrain performance — fuel consumption, power management strategy, thermal behavior, and weight/energy trade-offs
• Specify and integrate generator sets, power electronics, and battery systems together with the electric propulsion system
• Support component- and system-level testing, including engine test cell, hardware-in-the-loop (HiL), ground and flight test campaigns
• Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, electrical, structures, and systems engineering teams to integrate the hybrid powertrain into the overall aircraft system
• Support certification activities and ensure compliance with relevant aviation and product standards

Your profile

• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Automotive, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Proven hands-on experience with combustion-engine-based hybrid powertrain systems — ideally serial hybrid / range-extender (REX) architectures — from the automotive or aviation industry
• Solid understanding of internal combustion engines, generator integration, and power electronics in a hybrid powertrain context
• Experience with powertrain simulation and modeling tools (e.g., GT-Power, Simulink, AVL Cruise, or similar)
• Familiarity with the thermal management, vibration, and integration challenges of combustion engines in weight- and space-constrained platforms
• Background in testing and validating hybrid powertrain systems (engine test cell, HiL, or flight test)
• Experience with aviation certification standards (e.g., CS-23/25, CS-E) is a plus