Senior Engineer, Flight Control Systems

At Otto Aerospace, we foster a collaborative environment where top talent can innovate, contribute meaningfully, and help drive the next generation of aerospace technology.

About the Role

Otto Aerospace is seeking a dynamic senior designer to contribute to the design, development, and integration of the Flight Control Systems. You will join a team developing the world's most efficient aircraft. We seek first-principles engineers who balance creativity with experience while working within an effective team atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Secondary Flight Control System Technical Ownership
  • Design, develop, and detail the Secondary Flight Control System in compliance with technical, performance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform trade studies to optimize architecture, function, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Vendor & Program Coordination
  • Lead technical coordination with suppliers for the development of the Secondary Flight Control System through certification and delivery.
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for Secondary Flight Control System vendors, ensuring alignment with program requirements, schedules, and certification objectives.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (structures, electrical, avionics, certification, manufacturing, and supply chain) to define and validate all mechanical and electrical interfaces.
• Interface Definition & Integration
  • Develop and maintain Zonal Reference Models (ZRM), Interface Control Models (ICM), and Interface Control Drawings (ICD) to clearly define interfaces with adjacent structures and systems.
• 3D CAD & Digital Definition
  • Create and manage experimental and production-level digital product definitions, including parts, assemblies, and installations, fully defining dimensions, materials, processes, and tolerances.
  • Develop detailed system layouts and airframe integration studies using CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX).
• Certification & Compliance Support
  • Lead the creation, review, and update of certification, safety, and quality documentation, including FTA, PSSA, SFHA, ACP, and related compliance artifacts for the Secondary Flight Control System.
  • Ensure Secondary Flight Control System meets applicable Part 23 and ATA 27 regulatory and safety requirements.
• Leadership & Mentorship
  • Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
  • Promote best practices in interface control, certification awareness, and supplier coordination.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience:
  • 7+ years of experience in the development of Flight Control Systems and equipment common in modern Part 23 / Part 25 business aircraft, specifically Secondary Flight Control Systems, including Flaps, Spoilers, HSTA, and Trim.
  • 5+ years of experience in the design and development of electro-mechanically actuated systems.
  • Strong knowledge of FAR Part 23 certification requirements and processes pertinent to Flight Control Systems.
  • Strong understanding and experience with RTCA D-160G, DO-254, and SAE ARP4754A.
  • Experience with ASME Y14.100 Drawings and Y14.5 GD&T.
  • Experience with model and drawing checking, engineering part and model release, and engineering change process.
  • Strong knowledge of industry standards and hands-on experience.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  • Active Listening: Practice active listening to gain insight and develop a deep understanding of all project stakeholders.
  • Critical Thinking: Make timely, informed, and value-driven decisions that support project success.
  • Organization: Maintain strong organization across agendas, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, while clearly communicating tasks, progress, updates, and blockers.
  • Problem Solving: Evaluate challenges from multiple perspectives and develop effective, well-reasoned solutions.
  • Self-Motivation: Demonstrate a high level of ownership, commitment, and drive from project initiation through completion.
  • Teamwork and Team Building: Foster a collaborative environment where diverse personalities and skill sets work effectively toward shared goals and accountability.
  • Business Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively using appropriate language, tone, and storytelling across emails, chats, reports, presentations, and other channels.

Schedule

This role is remote at first with 25% travel to our headquarters in Ft Worth, TX, then will be onsite at our new manufacturing site in Jacksonville, FL upon facility readiness.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) opportunities.
• Paid short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability, and additional term life.
• 15 paid days off, 13-14 paid holidays, and paid sick leave.
• Potential bonuses and stock options (depending on seniority and role).