Staff Engineer, Experimental Flight Test

About Otto Aerospace 
Otto is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations, the Staff Flight Test Engineer leads and oversees all aspects of our flight test programs. This role is critical to ensuring the safety, performance, and regulatory compliance of our aircraft systems. The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of hands-on experience in flight testing, engineering leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with a deep understanding of aerospace systems and certification processes. The Staff Flight Test Engineer will also mentor junior engineers and collaborate closely with engineering and test teams to support development and certification efforts.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of complex flight test programs across multiple aircraft platforms
• Define and enforce flight test strategies, methodologies, and safety protocols 
• Serve as the primary technical authority on flight test matters
• Oversee scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation for flight test engineering
• Ensure alignment of flight test objectives with broader program goals and regulatory requirements
• Co-manage risk assessments and mitigation strategies for all flight test activities
• Review and approve flight test plans, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
• Analyze flight test data to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with design and systems engineers to resolve technical issues and optimize aircraft performance
• Ensure flight tests comply with FAA, EASA, and other relevant aviation authorities per company plans and documentation
• Interface with certification authorities and contribute to documentation for aircraft certification
• Mentor and develop junior flight test engineers, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence
• Lead technical reviews, debriefs, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Present flight test findings to internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, customers, and regulatory agencies
• Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and technical exchanges

Who You Are

Education

•  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in flight test engineering, including leadership roles
• Proven track record in managing large-scale flight test programs and teams
• Deep knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics, aerodynamics, and flight control systems
• Experience with flight test data analysis tools
• Familiarity with FAA and EASA certification standards
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Experience with autonomous systems, touchscreen control, next-gen aircraft technologies
• Prior experience in military or commercial aircraft development programs
• Experience in mishap investigation

Required Skills

• Active Listening: Strive to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders
• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed, value-based decisions
• 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 to formulate the best solution
• Self-Motivation: Demonstrate the highest level of commitment and drive to see projects through
• Teamwork and Team Building: Contribute to a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills work together effectively and hold themselves accountable to shared goals
• Strong Business Communication: Use professional language and tone in all forms of communication

Where You’ll Be
This position will be hybrid initially, with remote work most of the time and monthly travel to our headquarters in Ft Worth, TX. Otto is relocating our headquarters in 2026, at which point this position will be relocated to on-site (not hybrid) at Cecil Field (Jacksonville), FL (company-paid relocation).

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

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