Principal Engineer, Dynamics, Aeroelasticity & Flutter

About Otto Aviation

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 a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aviation is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

About the Role

Otto Aviation is seeking an energetic dynamics, aeroelasticity, and flutter engineer to support the Flight Sciences group with an emphasis on analyzing the dynamic and aeroelastic responses of aircraft in flight. You will join a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft. Otto Aviation is seeking a first principles engineer that works great in a team atmosphere and gets things done. 

Flight Sciences includes all phases of flight dynamics design and analysis to support configuration development, flight testing, and entry into service. As a member of the Flight Sciences team, you will be responsible for developing and directing the analysis of aircraft systems to ensure safe and predictable flight characteristics. This position encompasses all flight regimes up to and including transonic cruise, approach and landing, and off-design operations. You will also be assisting in the experimental efforts that support validation, database development and optimization of the configuration. 

What You'll Do

• Perform flutter analysis and dynamic loads in accordance with Part 23 certification requirements. 

• Develop flutter margins for normal and failure conditions. 

• Develop balanced, whole aircraft load distributions for dynamic load conditions including tuned and continuous gust. 

• Develop dynamic responses for control surfaces, doors, windows, fairings and powerplant. 

• Perform dynamic loads and flutter analysis using commercial and in-house tools and processes. 

• Develop mass properties and aerodynamic databases required to support dynamic loads and flutter analyses. 

• Provide subject matter expertise in dynamic loads and flutter analysis, trade studies and planning. 

• Support planning, execution, data reduction and model correlation for ground vibration testing. 

• Support planning, execution, and data reduction for flutter flight testing. 

• Participate in aircraft development activities and coordination amongst various design teams. 
• Develop dynamic loads and flutter certification documents. 

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent field 
• 10+ years in specific technical discipline 

• FAR Part 23 and Part 25 Certification experience  

• Transonic aircraft aerodynamics 

• Ground vibration testing and model correlation 

• Flutter flight testing 

• Professional communication skills both written and verbal. 

• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in Unix/Linux, C/C++, Matlab, VBA, 3DX, Femap, Nastran and Python. 

Interpersonal Skills 

•  Active Listening: Practice to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders. 
• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed and value-based decisions for the project. 

• Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers. 

• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges. 

• Self-Motivation: Exude highest level of commitment and motivation to see it through from start to finish. 

• Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills happily work together and accountable to shared goal. 

• Strong Business Communication: Use the right language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations and other forms and channels of communication. 

Where You'll Be

Otto Aviation is currently a remote workplace culture, with plans to secure a permanent headquarters for our corporate office in the next 2-3 years. 

This position is a remote job that can be worked anywhere in the United States.

Benefits

Otto Aviation 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, 15 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.

Otto Aviation 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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