At Otto Aerospace, we foster a collaborative environment where top talent can innovate, contribute meaningfully, and help drive the next generation of aerospace technology.
Job Description:
About the Role
Otto Aerospace is seeking a senior level design engineer to become a member of the structural design team. The ideal candidate will have experience in development programs with a strong background in composite airframe design, materials, and manufacturing processes. You will be joining a lean organization that prioritizes high-functioning engineers with eagerness to contribute to all stages of aircraft development, flight test, and certification. You will also serve as a core member of the organization, aiding in the development of the company's standard processes and procedures. Otto Aviation is seeking first principles engineers that balance creativity with experience while working within an effective team atmosphere.
What You'll Do
- Lead clean sheet structural designs throughout the conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design, assembly/integration, flight test, and certification phases
- Manage an aircraft zone and show compliance for relevant 14 CFR Part 23, Part 25, and internal design/marketing requirements
- Oversee multi-disciplinary trade studies to meet all aircraft requirements and optimize KVIs
- Develop and author company standard processes and procedures relevant to structural design
- Lead the development of company design tools and composite/metallic design best practices
- Manage key structural suppliers and partners
- Individually prioritize design tasks and delegate to junior engineers
- Interface with structural analysis, aircraft systems, testing/certification, and manufacturing teams to meet all design commitments while promoting a collaborative environment
- Coordinate with cross functional teams to define and validate structural interfaces with adjacent systems and structures
- Support both prototype and production of vehicle development while understanding the variations in respective design and manufacturing methodologies
- Assist in the development and implementation of PLM tools
- Provide technical oversight and mentorship of junior engineers
Education
- B.S. Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
Experience
- 4+ years of aerospace structural design experience
- Expertise in fixed wing or fuselage or empennage or aircraft structural design
- Expertise in composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Strong experience in aircraft level development programs
- Proficiency in FAR Part 23 and Part 25 certification requirements pertinent to structural design, analysis, and manufacturing
- Advanced knowledge of Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Proficiency in Design for Manufacturability methodologies
- Overall knowledge of mechanical systems, propulsion, furnishings/interiors, and other key structural interfaces
- Advanced proficiency with CATIA V5/V6/3DX along with Dassault Composites Workbench
- Experience in Enovia or 3DX PLM systems
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to closely coordinate with manufacturing to support MRB activities
- Experience managing supplier relationships
- Preferred experience in manned aircraft prototype environments
- Preferred ability to guide and mentor junior engineers
Interpersonal Skills
- Active Listening: Practice gaining insight and truly understand all project stakeholders
- Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed, and value-based decisions for the project
- Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers
- Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges
- Self-Motivation: Exude highest level of commitment and motivation to see it through from start to finish
- Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills happily work together and accountable to shared goals
- Strong Business Communication: Use the right language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations and other forms and channels of communication
- Ability to work with domestic/international supplies/partners effectively
- Understanding of the appropriate level of detail required for each phase of a development program paired with the ability to make informed decisions efficiently
Where You'll Be
This role will be remote with 25% travel to our current headquarters in Ft Worth, TX, then transition to full onsite at our new location in Jacksonville, FL in mid/late 2026.
Benefits
Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 15 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.
Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!