Lead Engineer, Airframe Design

Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?

Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.

The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!

Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.

What we do: 

The Lead Engineer, Airframe Design is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and execution of the design, build, and test prototype and production aircraft, while overseeing the development of the fundamental framework of standard processes and procedures within the subject area for conceptual, preliminary, and detail design. The Lead Airframe Designer drives design for manufacturing from concept to production releases and ensures a smooth transition into production with the operations team. The position collaborates with all technical development teams, including systems, interiors, flight technology, and manufacturing and supports the airframe team meeting its delivery, weight, and cost targets. 

What you can do:

• Guide trade studies, conceptual design layouts, and release of details and assemblies for major primary and secondary airframe structures
• Lead development of new manufacturing technologies, engineering tools, and airframe structural designs
• Define strategy for major integrated systems or programs
• Coach, mentor, and develop others on the Airframe Design team on technical topics and various design methods
• Work closely with structural analysis and test engineers to make decisions on test requirements that support element, component, and vehicle level testing
• Make sound technical decisions and represent the design team as a subject matter expert
• Communicate directly with management and cross-functional leaders as required
• Document design configurations and decision justifications for milestone design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) and safety of test/flight reviews (FRR, TRR)
• Define the scope of supplier work and represent the company to suppliers as final technical authority
• Review drawing packages and test plans
• Create or update internal handbooks/manuals for best practices
• May require up to 10% of domestic and international travel
• Other duties as assigned

What you can contribute:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field is required
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in airframe design 
• Experience with aircraft conceptual design and development programs and Rotorcraft design/industry
• Proficient in CAD software (Catia, UG, Pro-E, Solidworks)
• Proficient in composite structures design and fabrication
• Proficient in design optimization and load path analysis
• Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
• Highly collaborative and proactive communicator
• Ability to operate independently within a narrow range of tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to create schedules for own tasks, prioritize, and accomplish work within time constraints
• Ability to proactively identify problems, recommend solutions or improvements, and create and implement contingency plans

You may also be able to contribute:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred
• Familiarity or expertise with MRB, structural testing, flight test, or test data monitoring/evaluation
• Familiarity with certification process
• Project Engineering experience/skills

Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).