Manager, Rapid Prototyping

Manager, Rapid Prototyping 

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 engineer to join our Aircraft Integration Team.  The ideal candidate will have a background in aerospace rapid prototyping, including managing small, dynamic teams, hands-on design, build, and assembly of mockups, prototypes, and test articles, utilizing 3D-printed, wooden, metallic, fiberglass, and carbon-fiber construction.  You will be joining a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft. Otto Aerospace is seeking first-principles engineers who work well in a team atmosphere and know how to get things done. 

What You’ll Do 

• Be a functioning team member within Otto’s Aircraft Integration Team. 
• Manage a small team of rapid prototyping engineers 
• Develop workflow processes for mockups and test articles of various levels of complexity from various requestors 
• Lead the design, fabrication, and assembly of low-to-high fidelity aerospace prototypes, mockups, and test rigs both in and out of house 
• Select materials, components, and fabrication methods suitable for performance, cost, and build speed requirements 
• Translate concepts, ideas, and sketches into function hardware and test rigs. 
• Support design and fabrication of supplier on-site builds 
• Manage, mentor, and guide teammates through rapid prototyping builds 
• Hands on fabrication, build, and assembly 
• Document build processes, test results, and design iterations to support engineering and certification efforts. 
• Manage costs, schedules, and resources required for each build. 
• Ordering, purchasing, and retrieval of components and supplies. 
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure prototypes meet performance and integration requirements 
• Perform and participate in trade studies to influence key aircraft decisions. 
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment 

Who You Are 

Education 

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent. 

Experience 

• Minimum 8 years rapid prototype experience, preferably in aerospace 
• Experience managing a small diverse team preferred. 
• Skills in CATIA V5/V6/3DX (or similar); 3DX is preferred. 
• Hands-on experience with shop tools and equipment including drills, saws, lathes, mills, welders, routers, etc. 
• Strong understanding of materials (plastics, woods, metals, composites), their uses, and manufacturing techniques. 
• Overall knowledge of mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, avionics, and key interfaces to aircraft systems common on Part 23 / Part 25 aircraft. 
• Strong knowledge of industry standards with hands-on experience. 
• Basic understanding of Product Lifecycle Management processes. 
• Familiarity with RTCA DO-160G, DO-254, and SAE ARP4754A. 
• Familiarity with FAR Part 23 and Part 25 requirements. 

Desired Experience 

• Electromechanical integration and test. 
• Understanding basic LV/HV wiring. 
• Logistics and shipping experience or understanding of logistics and shipping