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Principal Engineer, Durability and Damage Tolerance

Remote

About Otto Aviation
Otto Aviation is building the next generation of business aircraft. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a 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.

Role Overview

Otto Aviation is seeking a Principal Engineer, Durability and Damage Tolerance (DADT) to be a member of our team.  The ideal candidate has relevant DADT analysis experience and a willingness to learn.  You will join a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft.  Otto Aviation is seeking engineers, who are comfortable working from first principles, work great in a team atmosphere and get things done.

What You’ll Do

  • Perform DADT assessments of metallic and composite structural components to inform structural inspection plans that ensure continued airworthiness.
  • Perform DADT assessments of fastened and bonded joints to inform structural inspection plans that ensure continued airworthiness
  • Author, review and approve DADT assessment documentation.
  • Create and/or utilize Finite Element Models (FEM) for consumption in DADT assessments.
  • Review and approve engineering definition for release in the product lifecycle system (PLM).
  • Author, review and approve structural test plans and reports.
  • Compare structural test results to analytical models.
  • Develop DADT assessment tools and methodologies
  • Support multi-disciplinary configuration development and trade studies
  • Interface with materials & processes, structural test laboratories, flight test, manufacturing, maintenance and customers/regulation authorities
  • Review, guide and support programs for new, supplemental and experimental certification under FAR Part 23 sub part C & D.
  • Mentor junior team members

Who You Are

 

Education

  • S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

Experience

  • 8+ years of relevant industry experience (or 5+ with M.S.)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with airframe DADT assessments for both composite and metallic structures
  • Knowledge of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)
  • Knowledge of virtual crack closure technique (VCCT)
  • Knowledge of bonded joint damage tolerance.
  • Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis methods (FEMAP experience is a plus)
  • Experience authoring DADT assessment notes and reports
  • Experience supporting disposition of non-conformances
  • Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6/3DX and ENOVIA V5/V6/3DX
  • Knowledge of typical airframe structural design criteria
  • Knowledge of FAR Part 23 certification requirements and processes

Other Required/Interpersonal Skills

  • Active Listening: Practice to 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, 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 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.
  • Ability to work with domestic/international suppliers/partners effectively

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.

Otto Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.”

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