Press Releases

Jun 12, 2026

Vacancy Test & Data Systems Engineer (f/m/d)


Are you experienced in wind-tunnel data processing? Join us and help provide unique, world-class research data to our Clients!
Category: Vacancy
Posted by: AK

 

 

ETW is actively seeking applications for the permanent position of a

Test & Data Systems Engineer (m/f/d)

playing a pivotal role in the urgently needed transition of aviation to become energy efficient and climate neutral.

About Us:
The European Transonic Windtunnel (ETW) is the world's leading wind tunnel for testing aircraft in model scale at real flight conditions. It was commissioned by France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and is operated by ETW GmbH on a not-for-profit basis. Today, ETW’s client list includes the major aircraft OEMs from across the world and the corresponding national Research Institutions. Aircraft performance and their flight envelope limits can be accurately determined with the unique data quality obtained from ETW testing long before flight test of a first prototype. Researchers and manufacturers from all over the world leverage the facility’s capabilities to enhance the performance, economic viability, and environmental impact of future aircraft.

As we continue to support and pioneer innovations that shape the future of aerospace and beyond, we are seeking a talented individual like you to join our dedicated team and make a tangible impact on the aviation industry's sustainability goals.

What you do:
At ETW, you will have a direct impact on tomorrow’s aircraft designs – making them more efficient, more reliable and more climate-compatible. As Test & Data Systems Engineer, you will prepare and deliver the final, fully corrected test data which our Clients need to achieve these goals. Operating, maintaining and optimising ETW’s data reduction software system is the key part of your role, with the aim to provide high quality data and to ensure its integrity; serving international researchers and aerospace developers with their endeavours and directly contributing to the aviation sector's transformation into a climate-neutral industry. Your responsibilities will include:

  • To ensure the availability, quality and integrity of the ETW test data by preparing, operating, maintaining and optimizing ETW’s data reduction software system.
  • To monitor, check and analyse ETW test data during test campaigns.
  • To post process and reduce test data and to apply necessary wind tunnel corrections.
  • To continuously re-evaluate, optimize and improve ETW’s wind tunnel corrections.
  • To prepare and process test data in Client specified output format.
  • To prepare, coordinate and report about related research and development activities in accordance with Clients’, Test Engineers’ and Research Project requirements.
  • To participate in data acquisition, balance calibration and special measurement technique handling activities.
  • To continually improve systems to increase efficiency, accuracy and data quality.

What you need:
To excel in this role, you will ideally bring:

  • A master level degree with a background in aerodynamics, e.g. in mathematics, physics, engineering, measuring technology or equivalent.
  • Professional experience with processing complex test data sets and working with test and data systems.
  • Working experience in wind tunnel data reduction as well as in high-level programming languages, e.g. Fortran, Python will help.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, commitment and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a team and independently contribute with a result-oriented thinking and working style.
  • ETW's working language is English and good written and verbal communication skills are mandatory. German language skills will be regarded as an asset.

We are looking forward to your application, even if you think you do not tick all these boxes. We are a small team and we believe enthusiasm and a good personal fit is vital for a fruitful and long-standing relationship.

Due to the need to handle confidential information we can only accept applications from candidates who are capable of obtaining security clearance and a certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis) may be requested.

What we offer:
Working at ETW means being part of an innovative and supportive team committed to serve aerospace research and development in making aviation greener. We believe in fostering long-term commitment while nurturing strong connections with nearby educational and research institutions. We offer:

  • An opportunity to be part of our small team which is responsible for operating and developing one of the world’s leading aerospace test facilities.
  • Support by the entire team in mastering the complexities of your new role.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and resources, enabling you to drive impactful change.
  • Engagement with industry and researchers from across the world on the latest aircraft developments.
  • A value-oriented corporate and management culture with flat hierarchies and fast decision-making processes.
  • Personal communication styles and creative team dynamics at our site in Cologne with open minds for solving any question which will make us grow together.
  • A wide range of opportunities for training and engagement at international conferences or interest groups.
  • Comprehensive benefits, including a company pension scheme with disability cover and accident insurance.
  • 30 days annual leave and bridging days plus Rose Monday.
  • A stocked social room with freshly brewed coffee and mineral water, access to a canteen, a gym and a billiard table.

We are committed to provide equal opportunities to anyone joining our team, because only when all perspectives are taken into account will we realise our full potential to optimize the next generations of aircraft together. We encourage creativity and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to realise your ideas as part of a team and take ownership of your projects. Join our multinational team based in Cologne, Germany; relocation support is available.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role to Dr. Andreas KLÖCKNER by email to or by post to European Transonic Windtunnel, Ernst-Mach-Strasse, 51147 Köln, Germany. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the responsible Group Leader Dr. Harald QUIX at or by phone at +49 (2203) 609-132.

 

Background

ETW - Pushes the Limits
Wind tunnels, using scaled down aircraft models, are the major source of aerodynamic design data for new aircraft projects. Wind tunnels are indispensable tools for aerodynamic research and aircraft development; they complement and validate flow simulation methods on the most powerful computers.

ETW, the European Transonic Wind Tunnel, was designed and constructed by the four European countries France, Germany, United Kingdom and The Netherlands. It is operated based on a non-profit policy by the ETW GmbH, founded in 1988. Its location in Cologne, Germany, is right in the middle of Europe.

European researchers and engineers harness ETW’s capabilities for advancing aeronautical science into aircraft innovation by accessing real-flight conditions in this cutting edge ground-test laboratory.

ETW is the worldwide leading wind tunnel for testing aircraft at real flight conditions. Aircraft performance and their flight envelope limits can be accurately determined with unique quality at ETW long before flight testing of a first prototype. This enables significant reductions in the technical and economic risks associated with the development of new aircraft. Manufacturers from all over the world take advantage of the exceptional features of this high-tech facility enhancing the performance, economic viability, and environmental friendliness of their future aircraft.

ETW – Erweitert Horizonte
Aerodynamische Entwurfsdaten für neue Flugzeugprojekte werden zu einem großen Teil aus Windkanaluntersuchungen an maßstäblich verkleinerten Flugzeugmodellen gewonnen. Windkanäle sind unverzichtbare Werkzeuge sowohl für die Strömungsforschung als auch für die Flugzeugentwicklung; sie ergänzen und validieren Verfahren zur Strömungssimulation auf modernsten Hochleistungsrechnern.

Der Europäische Transschall-Windkanal ETW ist eine transnationale Forschungseinrichtung in Köln. Er wurde von den vier Staaten Frankreich, Deutschland, Großbritannien und den Niederlanden entwickelt und gebaut. Betrieben wird er von der ETW GmbH, die als eigenständiges Non-Profit-Unternehmen 1988 gegründet wurde.

Der ETW erlaubt europäischen Forschenden und Ingenieur:innen, tatsächliche Flugzustände unter Laborbedingungen am Boden darzustellen, um wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zu erarbeiten und in Luftfahrtinnovationen zu überführen.

Der ETW ist der weltweit führende Windkanal, in dem Luftfahrzeuge unter wirklichkeitsgetreuen Flugbedingungen getestet werden können. Lange bevor der erste Prototyp für einen Flugtest zur Verfügung steht, können im ETW die Leistungsfähigkeit und die Flugbereichsgrenzen eines Neuentwurfs genauestens und mit einzigartiger Qualität bestimmt werden. Dies reduziert erheblich die technischen und wirtschaftlichen Risiken, die mit der Entwicklung neuer Luftfahrzeuge verbunden sind. Hersteller aus aller Welt nutzen die außergewöhnlichen Möglichkeiten dieser Hightech-Einrichtung, um die Leistungsfähigkeit, die Wirtschaftlichkeit und die Umweltfreundlichkeit ihrer zukünftigen Produkte nachhaltig zu verbessern.