Meet Daniel

Define your job title in one sentence

I lead the design and integration of aircraft systems for air power platforms operating in demanding environments, ensuring safe and certified systems that support our customers’ missions.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

What makes my role special is leading the development of complex aircraft systems that must perform safely and reliably in mission-critical operational environments, where security, sovereignty, and mission success are critical. Every day, I work with experts across engineering disciplines, aligning technologies, ideas, and requirements to deliver certified aircraft solutions that support real-world missions. It is an adventure! One day I might work on architecture and requirements, another day supporting physical integration or discussing manufacturing solutions with teams from different countries. Being at this intersection of technology, collaboration, and mission purpose is what makes the role truly exciting.

Working within a highly diverse and international professional landscape is a constant source of motivation. Collaborating with experts from many engineering backgrounds fosters the perspectives where innovation thrives. Coming from a strong academic and research background, I enjoy bringing scientific rigor and curiosity into industrial reality while continuously learning from colleagues with operational, manufacturing, and programme experience.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

My journey began at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, immersed in a culture of academic excellence and international research. While I loved the science behind aerospace, I wanted to see that research breathe. I was drawn to Airbus because it is the ultimate stage where theoretical science is transformed into certified, real-world impact. 

Moreover, I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer scale of the "impossible", the complex puzzles that modern military aircraft represent. I wanted to witness how a design on a screen transforms into a strategic asset for our customers, nations. 

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

What surprised me most was the level of trust and openness. From early in my career on the A400M MRO Retrofit programme, I was encouraged to take responsibility, share ideas and collaborate across functions and borders. There is a strong culture of listening and learning, where good ideas matter more than hierarchy. I was also impressed by how much Airbus invests in people - not only technically - but also in leadership, communication and personal development. Working daily with colleagues from Germany, France, Italy, and the UK isn't just a logistical feat, it’s a masterclass in perspective.

Explain what you do in simple terms

I lead end-to-end cross-domain systems architecture and integration activities to deliver reliable, certified aircraft systems that enable our customers to fulfil their missions in an increasingly connected world. My role is to act as the architect of the aircraft’s “nervous system”, integrating the complex systems, equipment and major components that allow an aircraft to see, think, and communicate. In practice, this means that I ensure thousands of individual components, from the flight computers, structures, antennas and sensors, work together as one overall unified, safe, and certified machine for different aircraft configurations.

In parallel, I contribute to the development and deployment of engineering processes across Airbus, enabling their consistent use from design and development to production, support and services. A key part of my role is to foster a transdisciplinary and integrative Systems Engineering mindset by means of breaking silos, connecting disciplines and strengthening collaboration to deliver robust, end-to-end solutions.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

My work helps ensure the end-to-end system/equipment management, architecture and integration, which serves as the strategic backbone for our aircraft reliability. By acting as a technical weaver, I ensure that each piece of equipment and every system is seamlessly integrated across the entire lifecycle - from the initial design phase through to global operations. This holistic approach directly impacts our customers by providing them with robust, mission-ready aircraft that excel in an increasingly connected world.

What’s the most innovative project you’ve worked on at Airbus?

One of the most innovative projects I’ve worked on is Eurodrone, a highly complex, multinational programme that brings together advanced technologies, digital engineering and international cooperation. Working on Eurodrone has been particularly rewarding because it combines technical innovation with new ways of working, pushing us to think differently about system integration, lifecycle management and collaboration across borders.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Airbus has supported my growth from day one by giving me space to learn, explore and take responsibility. Through technical training, leadership programmes and business mentoring, I’ve been able to continuously strengthen my skills while working on complex and meaningful engineering challenges. The culture of Airbus is built by its people.. 

Airbus also truly supports diverse career paths. The possibility to evolve across different air platforms, disciplines and countries has been key to my development. This culture of trust and continuous learning makes Airbus a place where you can build a long-term career, while constantly challenging yourself and expanding your horizons. I’m particularly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our engineering communities as Airbassador (Airbus Ambassador), which has allowed me to grow as both an engineer and a communicator, representing Airbus at European universities in order to share the company spirit and inspire future pioneers to join this extraordinary company.

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

My career at Airbus has evolved step by step, supported by real opportunities to grow and take responsibility with a sense of vocation. 

I started as an A400M MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Engineer, working closely with manufacturing, aircraft mechanics, electricians, craftspeople, operational teams and world-wide customers at the Final Assembly Line (FAL). This hands-on experience with real aircraft gave me a solid understanding of how engineering modifications directly affect availability, safety and operational performance in service.

Building on that foundation, Airbus supported my transition into the Systems Design Office, allowing me to broaden my scope from individual aircraft to transversal and aircraft-level perspectives. Through technical training, mentoring and on-the-job learning, I progressively took on responsibilities in architecture, integration and cross-domain engineering activities for Eurodrone, the first remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) natively designed for safe and reliable flight in non-segregated airspace..

Today, I work at the intersection of technology, processes and people, contributing to strategic initiatives such as end-to-end systems engineering, supporting air power success across the full lifecycle for the new generation of Multi Role Transport Tankers (MRTT), a key aircraft for supporting all types of Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operations and long range deployments.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a leader?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating the conditions for others to succeed with a sense of vocation. In complex engineering environments, progress comes from listening carefully, building trust, and empowering people to contribute their expertise with confidence.

Working with highly diverse, multicultural and multidisciplinary teams across countries and business domains has reinforced my belief that the best decisions emerge when different perspectives are valued and connected around a shared purpose. As a leader, my role is to align people, technology and vision, remove obstacles, and ensure that teams can focus on delivering safe, reliable and innovative solutions that truly make a difference. That’s my objective!

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

One of my most memorable experiences at Airbus was seeing an aircraft return to service after complex upgrade and retrofit integration activities. Watching an aircraft fly again after months of coordinated work across engineering, manufacturing, operations and customers made the purpose of our work very tangible. It was a powerful reminder that behind every system, drawing or requirement, there is a real mission, real customer, and real responsibility. That moment reinforced why I am passionate about connecting engineering excellence with operational reality: to deliver aircraft that are not only innovative, but reliable, safe and ready to serve.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

Beyond air power platform delivery, I’m proud to contribute to Airbus as a community and transformation leader. I’m an Airbus Defence and Space Systems Component Architect Development Trainer, supporting the development of the next generation of Systems Engineers and Architects. 

Earlier in my career, I was honoured with a scholarship from the Official College of Aeronautical Engineers of Spain (COIAE/AIAE) and selected as one of Spain’s Nova Talent 111 Young Professionals, recognising young profiles shaping the future of technology and industry. 

In parallel, I actively represent Airbus as Airbus Ambassador (Airbassador) at universities in Spain and the United States, engaging with students and young engineers to share real-world aerospace experience and promote diverse career paths within Airbus. 

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

To truly thrive, you must look beyond your specific silo. Aerospace is a massive, interconnected puzzle; don't just learn your piece. Understanding how your work fits into the entire product lifecycle is the best advice. At the end of the day, our mission to pioneer for a safe and united world is achieved not just through software code and carbon fibre, but through the integrity and collaboration of the teams we build.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

Integrity, collaboration and service are what move the needle. Approach your career not as a climb for rank, but as a mission to serve your team. Lift others up, share your knowledge freely as a mentor, and remember that we don't just build machines – we bridge cultures, disciplines, and the gap between a dream and a certified reality. Come ready to serve the team, and you will find yourself pioneering the future of the sky at Airbus!

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

Look closer, because we are a mosaic, not a monolith.

Every day, I lead a symphony of perspectives. In my department, we have computer scientists writing and verifying the digital DNA of our aircraft, physicists exploring the fundamental laws of the sky and environmental aspects, industrial engineers ensuring the structural integrity and advanced manufacturing of our platforms, chemical engineers pioneering the materials and fuels of tomorrow…our greatest breakthroughs happen when we break down silos. If you have a passion for the "impossible" and a heart for collaboration, you don’t just fit here, you are the reason we fly.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Build your technical expertise, but define your career by how well you serve the mission and the people beside you.

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

These experiences reflect what I value most at Airbus: a unique culture that encourages learning, leadership, diversity of thought and the opportunity to grow while contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

I thrive on breaking down silos, connecting diverse minds across the globe to solve the most rewarding puzzles in the sky. Above all, I firmly believe that authentic leadership is an act of service. I embrace a radical culture of empowerment and a genuine “We are One” spirit that transcends borders. I am committed to uplifting others and ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

The Airbus culture recognises the importance of work-life balance, and it continues to motivate me to keep growing, learning and contributing at a broader scale having flexible working agreements, mental health awareness campaigns and dedicated mentoring programmes, community engagement and social volunteering through various initiatives.

One such program is "4ºESO+EMPRESA", which bridges the gap between education and the professional world. This initiative offers high school students in their final year (4ºESO) practical insights into the corporate environment, helping them develop essential skills and explore career paths.

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

In aerospace, progress is measured not only by innovation, but by the consistency, reliability and trust that Airbus has delivered across decades. Continuous development on technical, strategic and human aspects is essential to make decisions today that will still be valid tomorrow.

I am motivated by the opportunity to shape how complex systems are conceived, integrated and sustained, while contributing to strong teams and sound engineering culture. Growth, in this sense, is about expanding perspective, strengthening judgement and ensuring that knowledge, values and capability are passed on to the next generation.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

Aerospace is a demanding field that requires perseverance, curiosity and responsibility. Challenges are part of the journey, and they are often what help you grow the most. Work hard, stay curious and never stop learning.

At the same time, remember that aerospace is about service. What we build must protect lives, enable missions and earn trust. Talent matters, but so do integrity, teamwork and respect for others. No great achievement in aerospace is ever the result of one person alone. If you combine technical excellence with humility and a sense of purpose, even the hardest paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

Per Aspera ad Astra 

Through effort, humility, perseverance and a sense of vocation, even the most complex challenges can lead to meaningful progress and excellence.

One word to describe your experience at Airbus ? Which word would sum up your life at Airbus?

Pioneering.