Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration
About Otto Aerospace
Otto Aerospace is building the next generation of business aircraft. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Leveraging a combination of laminar flow aerodynamics and carbon-fiber materials, Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft that take advantage of first principles physics and deliver ground-breaking performance.
About the Role
Otto Aerospace is seeking a dynamic engineer to support and oversee the design, development, and integration of the propulsion system, including turbofan engines, FADECs, inlets, exhausts, heat exchangers, fans/blowers, and fire protection systems. You will join a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft. Otto Aerospace is seeking first principles engineers that balance creativity with experience while working within an effective team atmosphere.
What You’ll Do
- Define and manage propulsion system requirements in line with Otto’s mission objectives and regulatory requirements
- Perform trade studies across key propulsion systems and features against requirements
- Oversee supplier integration activities, including the engine supplier
- Lead propulsion system development through conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design, integration, qualification, and certification phases
- Generate, review, and/or approve functional hazard assessments, system safety analyses, engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, test plans & reports, and compliance documentation
- Coordinate with cross functional teams to define and validate propulsion interfaces with adjacent systems and structures
- Lead development of the propulsion system CAD definition within Otto’s PLM system
- Define and show compliance for responsible systems to 14 CFR Part 23 and Part 25 regulatory requirements and interface with certification authorities
- Work with maintenance and operation experts on meeting reliability and maintainability targets
- Oversee component, system, and aircraft level functional testing, including certification ground and flight tests
- Technical oversight and mentorship of junior engineers
- Prepare and present technical performance, cost, and schedule material for reviews to program management and engineering technical community
Who You Are
Education
- B.S., in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
Experience
- 8-12 years of experience in the design and development of propulsion systems
- 3+ years of direct experience with FADEC controlled turbofan engine integration in a Part 23 or Part 25 aircraft; familiarity with engine installation manuals
- 2+ years of experience overseeing, guiding, and mentoring less experienced engineers
- 2+ years of involvement in bid, proposal, and project capture activities
- Proficiency using engine computer performance models (engine cycle deck analysis)
- Mastery of FAR Part 23 and Part 25 certification requirements and processes pertinent to the propulsion systems
- Strong understanding and experience with RTCA D-160G, DO-178, DO-254, and SAE ARP4754A
- Good knowledge of Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing
- Strong knowledge of industry standards and hands-on experience
- Overall knowledge of mechanical systems, fuel systems, environmental control systems, structures, avionics and electrical systems, and key interfaces to the propulsion system
- Proficiency with Dassault 3DX and/or CATIA V6 to interrogate both 3D and 2D data
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to closely coordinate with manufacturing to support MRB activities
- Experience managing supplier relationships
Required 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 tasks/projects from start to finish
- Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture that facilitates people with unique personalities and skills, happily working together to accomplish a shared goal
- Strong Business Communication: Use thoughtful language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations and other forms and channels of communication
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, 13 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.
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