Senior Engineer, Flight Control Systems

Location: United States

Department: Mechanical Systems

Engineer, Flight Control Systems 

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 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. Otto Aerospace is seeking first principles engineers that balance creativity with experience while working within an effective team atmosphere. 

What You’ll Do

• 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

Who You Are

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. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

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

Where You’ll Be    

**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  

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, 13-14 paid 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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