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.

Autonomy Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Airbus Spain

Original Advert

Job Description:

Airbus Helicopters is looking for an Autonomy Artificial Intelligence Engineer (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 in the System Design Office, functionally attached to the Head of SW Development and reports operationally to the Research and Innovation Leader in Spain.

Your working environment:

You will be based in Getafe, a unique aerospace ecosystem where Defence and Space, Commercial, and Helicopters divisions converge. Madrid is known for its world-class quality of life and exceptional connectivity, offering a premier lifestyle. You will collaborate closely with Engineering departments, the Research & Technology Program, and the Helicopter Programs.

Your challenges:

AI Algorithm Development: Lead the design and implementation of AI-driven perceptioncomputer vision algorithms to enable intelligent UAS reactions to unforeseen situations and adverse external conditions.
Vision-Based Localization: Develop and validate algorithms for relative and absolute navigation, focusing on determining UAV location via on-board sensors to ensure operation in GNSS-contested environments.
Mission Systems Intelligence: Help define and implement AI functionalities for mission systems, ensuring the UAS can assess situational awareness pictures to execute dynamic action plans.
AI/ML Pipeline Management: Build and oversee the end-to-end data collection, training, and validation pipelines, specifically utilizing deep learning techniques for perception and prediction.
Embedded Deployment: Oversee the transition of AI/ML models from high-level frameworks to real-time, embedded computing platforms, ensuring they meet strict airborne performance standards.
Systems Integration & MBSE: Drive the design of interfaces between AI functions and the broader flight stack (Flight Management, Decision-Making) using a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach.
Safety-Driven Design: Contribute to the Safety and Assurance strategy by implementing AI model validation, verification, and explainability techniques to meet aerospace reliability objectives.

Your profile:

Education: Degree or Master's in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or Electronic Engineering. Specialized focus on Computer Vision or Deep Learning is highly valued.
Professional Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in architecting and developing complex AI software pipelines, preferably within aerospace or high-reliability robotics environments.
Domain Expertise: Expertise in object detection, recognition, and tracking, as well as multi-sensor navigation data fusion (Inertial, Vision-based, etc.).
Engineering Rigor: Proven experience in systems engineering environments with a strong command of V&V methodologies, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
Standards & Certification Awareness: Knowledge of aerospace design assurance (DO-178C, DO-254) and emerging AI-enabled certification frameworks like SORA.
Systems Thinking: A holistic mindset with the ability to translate mission-level "desirements" into detailed technical requirements and a concrete software roadmap.
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.