Aircraft Conceptual Design Engineer

📩 To Apply

Email your portfolio/CV and short intro to:
👉 careers@kalkandefense.com
Subject: Conceptual Design Engineer – C1 Strigoi

📍 Location: Romania / Remote
🏢 Company: Kalkan Defense Systems

🔥 About the Role

Kalkan Defense is creating C1 Strigoi, a stealthy, next-generation UCAV designed for European defense superiority.
We’re looking for an Aircraft Conceptual Design Engineer to lead the MVP design phase — transforming strategic requirements into a 3D-modeled, spec-complete, and fundable UCAV concept.

This is a solo role (for now), ideal for a hands-on designer with full-spectrum aircraft development experience.

🚀 What You’ll Do

  • Translate mission requirements and founder vision into aircraft design parameters.

  • Produce a high-quality 3D model of the UCAV using CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or similar.

  • Define key specs: wingspan, MTOW, propulsion choice, payload, range, cruise speed, ceiling, internal volume layout, stealth shaping.

  • Create visual materials for grant submissions (EU EDF, NATO DIANA, Romanian Defense Ministry).

  • Prepare a design package that includes mission envelope, system layout, and component assumptions.

  • Collaborate with the founder and grant writer to align technical scope with funding opportunities.

🧠 What You Bring

  • 5+ years in aircraft conceptual or preliminary design (UAV or tactical fighter experience is ideal).

  • Strong skills in airframe modeling and design visualization.

  • Fluent in aircraft sizing, layout, performance estimation.

  • Familiar with stealth shaping, propulsion sizing, and internal system architecture.

  • Able to work independently and iterate fast with limited team support.

✅ Bonus Points

  • Experience with EDF, DIANA, or EU defense project submissions.

  • Background in both commercial and military UAV platforms.

  • Familiar with digital twin or simulation workflows.

📦 Deliverables

  • Full 3D model (external + internal bays/layout)

  • 1–2 tech visualizations (render-ready)

  • Technical spec sheet

  • Brief design justification / design choices summary

  • Optionally: performance estimation and RCS sketch study