Principal Configuration Manager

About Otto Aviation

Otto Aviation 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 Aviation is designing world-class aircraft that take advantage of first principles physics and deliver ground-breaking performance.  

About the Role

The Configuration Manager (CM) is responsible for the development and establishment of Otto’s Configuration Management Ecosystem.  Additionally, the CM will coordinate directly with the program teams to understanding configuration needs, develop & implement processes for change control, and contribute to a key pillar of the overall program governance.  They will work closely alongside the PMO, Safety & Quality, Manufacturing, Test & Certification, and Digital Enterprise teams to ensure programmatic and business configuration control needs are satisfied. 

What You'll Do

• Establish and maintain the Configuration Management System in alignment with the Quality Management System (QMS), Safety Management System (SMS), and Program Management Plan 

• Identify strategic approach and timing for implementing the CMS based on growing program and company needs 

• Develop, lead, and improve the change control processes, including administration of the change control board 

• Standardize process for engineering change and collaborate with the Digital Enterprise team to ensure digital tools are implemented appropriately to comply with the process 

• Support the identification and management of configuration baselines and configuration items 

• Own, ensure, and track compliance to the configuration management processes from program current state through production 

• Mentor the organization on configuration management services, concepts, policies, and procedures 

• Collaborate with TPMs to provide hands on support, guidance, recovery/alternate scenario modeling, and creative solutions as needed to support program milestones 

• Manage multiple program priorities against ambitious timelines and provide program team with guidance 
• Other duties as assigned 

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or other related field 

• A minimum of eight (8) years in technical program/project management role with a minimum of three (3) years working on configuration management initiatives 

• Previous engineering or manufacturing experience with a deep understanding of product development & qualification 

• Project management experience in complex hardware/software and aircraft development & qualification is preferred 

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management and Configuration Management 

• Experience with MS Project, Doors, Jira and/or other project management tools 

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing standard processes 

• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills 

• Ability to work cross‐functionally, build relationships, and manage conflict 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Proactive delivery of communication and follow up 

• Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints 

• Demonstrated agility and autonomous decision-making within ambiguous situations 

• Experience with Dassault 3DX is preferred 

 

Interpersonal Skills 

• Self-Starter: ability to independently identify work that needs to be completed or issues that need to be addressed, elevate as appropriate, and seek solutions 

• Active Listening: gain 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, consistent methodologies, and documentation to deliver an exceptional work product 

• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges. 

• Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills happily work together and accountable to shared goal. 

• 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; adapt communication based on audience 

Where You'll Be

Otto Aviation is currently a remote workplace culture, with plans to secure a permanent headquarters for our corporate office in the next 2-3 years. 

Benefits

Otto Aviation 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 Aviation 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.