Manager, Rapid Prototyping

Manager, Rapid Prototyping 

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 for a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles of physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.  

 About the Role  

Otto Aerospace is seeking a dynamic engineer to join our Aircraft Integration Team.  The ideal candidate will have a background in aerospace rapid prototyping, including managing small, dynamic teams, hands-on design, build, and assembly of mockups, prototypes, and test articles, utilizing 3D-printed, wooden, metallic, fiberglass, and carbon-fiber construction.  You will be joining a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft. Otto Aerospace is seeking first-principles engineers who work well in a team atmosphere and know how to get things done. 

What You’ll Do 

• Be a functioning team member within Otto’s Aircraft Integration Team. 
• Manage a small team of rapid prototyping engineers 
• Develop workflow processes for mockups and test articles of various levels of complexity from various requestors 
• Lead the design, fabrication, and assembly of low-to-high fidelity aerospace prototypes, mockups, and test rigs both in and out of house 
• Select materials, components, and fabrication methods suitable for performance, cost, and build speed requirements 
• Translate concepts, ideas, and sketches into function hardware and test rigs. 
• Support design and fabrication of supplier on-site builds 
• Manage, mentor, and guide teammates through rapid prototyping builds 
• Hands on fabrication, build, and assembly 
• Document build processes, test results, and design iterations to support engineering and certification efforts. 
• Manage costs, schedules, and resources required for each build. 
• Ordering, purchasing, and retrieval of components and supplies. 
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure prototypes meet performance and integration requirements 
• Perform and participate in trade studies to influence key aircraft decisions. 
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment 

Who You Are 

Education 

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent. 

Experience 

• Minimum 8 years rapid prototype experience, preferably in aerospace 
• Experience managing a small diverse team preferred. 
• Skills in CATIA V5/V6/3DX (or similar); 3DX is preferred. 
• Hands-on experience with shop tools and equipment including drills, saws, lathes, mills, welders, routers, etc. 
• Strong understanding of materials (plastics, woods, metals, composites), their uses, and manufacturing techniques. 
• Overall knowledge of mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, avionics, and key interfaces to aircraft systems common on Part 23 / Part 25 aircraft. 
• Strong knowledge of industry standards with hands-on experience. 
• Basic understanding of Product Lifecycle Management processes. 
• Familiarity with RTCA DO-160G, DO-254, and SAE ARP4754A. 
• Familiarity with FAR Part 23 and Part 25 requirements. 

Desired Experience 

• Electromechanical integration and test. 
• Understanding basic LV/HV wiring. 
• Logistics and shipping experience or understanding of logistics and shipping 

Interpersonal Skills 

• Active Listening: Practice gaining insight and understanding of 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 the 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 suppliers/partners effectively. 

Where You’ll Be 

**This position will work onsite at our temporary headquarters in Ft Worth, TX then move to onsite at our new location in Jacksonville, FL upon facility readiness 

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 company 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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