Senior Actuation Engineer

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We’re creating a new category of transportation—the Seaglider, a wing‑in‑ground‑effect craft that travels just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 mi at 180 mph on today’s battery tech (and up to 400 mi with next‑gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo, connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before.

Role Overview

As a Senior Actuation Engineer, you’ll own the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic surface actuation controls that help REGENT deliver flight‑capable Seaglider hardware safely and on schedule. You’ll drive sizing, performance, requirements, and trade studies across key load cases, support certification‑focused analysis and documentation, and help architect a scalable actuation foundation as we evolve from prototype to product across multiple programs.

Responsibilities

• Own the actuation system architecture, requirements, performance and qualification.
• Deliver high‑impact actuation trade studies supporting major milestones.
• Develop and maintain simulation models, assumptions, and documentation that enable repeatable, reviewable engineering decisions.
• Collaborate closely with loads, manufacturing, controls, GNC, integration and certification stakeholders to ensure as‑built performance aligns with requirements, producibility, and verification needs.
• Contribute to improving team execution by refining procedures, templates, and best practices that reduce analysis bottlenecks.
• Certify the world’s first all‑electric Seaglider actuation control system.

Requirements

• Experienced actuation engineer with significant focus in electromechanical flight‑critical actuation.
• Experience leading actuation system development from concept to qualification/certification.
• Experience technically managing suppliers of actuation‑related materials.
• Working knowledge of critical actuation technical challenges such as bandwidth, duty cycle, fatigue, stability, power and environmental (including sea‑based) requirements.
• Solid fundamentals in control theory, kinematics and mechanism integration.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the engineering life cycle (“V”) for actuation from concept to qualification.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, plus a collaborative, low‑ego approach in fast‑moving, interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Collaborative team player who communicates effectively and aligns cross‑functional teams on goals.
• Creative problem solver who anticipates downstream impacts and builds scalable solutions.
• Adaptable and agile in a fast‑paced startup environment, able to pivot without losing momentum.
• Innovative mindset driven by curiosity and a passion for technology and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance – 100% premiums covered.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company‑wide holiday breaks.
• Relocation packages for candidates moving to join the team.
• Daily, free catered lunches.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.