Sr. Manager, Flight Dynamics

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Flight Dynamics to join our innovative team at Wisk. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in aircraft and rotorcraft development, with a focus on stability, control, and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in stability and control, vehicle performance, and 6DOF simulation
• Develop and maintain in-house tools for stability and control analysis, performance estimation, and validation
• Define the flight physics modeling and simulation methodology, including closed-loop system validation and test data integration
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for model validation progress
• Drive alignment across various engineering teams for modeling requirements and expectations
• Set standards for documentation and configuration control of models relative to the aircraft design baseline
• Create detailed design standards, white papers, and certification plans to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Implement multi-objective optimization and trade-off studies for complex aircraft configurations
• Promote the adoption of AI-driven surrogate modeling and GPU-accelerated solvers for real-time aero-performance analysis
• Address cross-functional roadblocks during flight testing, particularly those involving nonlinear aerodynamics and autonomous control laws

Requirements

• 15+ years of industry experience in aircraft and/or rotorcraft development, with a Bachelor’s degree; or 12+ years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8+ years experience
• Understanding of rotorcraft and multirotor aerodynamics and stability in all modes of flight
• Experience with commercial aviation development and certification, as well as rapid development of novel systems
• Familiarity with aerodynamic data bases, CFD, wind tunnel testing, and flight matching
• Experience with aerodynamic design and analysis to meet performance goals
• Expertise in creating 6DOF simulation models for certification compliance
• Strong experience with complex modelling frameworks and optimization techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Desired: Aeromechanics and/or rotor dynamics experience, familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, Python, and C/C++, experience with Jira/Git, and involvement in novel aircraft development projects
• Preferred: FAA Part 23/25 and/or Part 27 certification program experience, FAA Flight Analyst DER knowledge, electric engine performance analysis experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible vacation time off and 11 company holidays
• 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately
• Commuter assistance and education assistance
• Free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, and more