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.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Sr. Aircraft Performance Engineer to join our Flight Sciences team, to help with the design, simulation, flight testing and certification of our future highly efficient aircraft. In this role you will be responsible for developing methodologies and aircraft performance models (including propulsion, ESPS and thermal aspects) to be the reference source for off board and onboard aircraft performance calculation and flight planning.
The successful candidate has direct hands-on experience developing and testing fixed wing aircraft from initial concept through flight testing and certification, with the technical breadth necessary to interface with all the other engineering functions. The ideal candidate should also have some Simulink and simulation experience. In this role, the candidate must be a highly motivated, self-starting individual with a broad set of skills and never afraid of facing complex technical challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a Computerized Aircraft Performance Program that will serve as the reference for any aircraft performance calculation and eventually, as approved performance data for the certified aircraft.
- Develop tools & processes for performance data reduction & expansion and optimization of flight mission planning for safe operations of an autonomous aircraft.
- Develop, modify, and run in-house tools, including 6DoF simulation models, to analyze aircraft flight performance during take off, hover, transition, climb, cruise, descent and landing.
- Estimate critical performance parameters, such as stall speeds, best rate of climb, climb ceiling, maximum range, noise profiles and energy reserves.
- Support the integration of the Computerized Aircraft Performance Program within the aircraft onboard systems framework and within the offboard flight operations and planning tools.
- Support the Propulsion group in the definition of the electric motor ratings.
- Plan and participate in the flight test campaigns to analyze performance data to support certification, including test scope planning, instrumentation requirements, flight test support and data reduction for the performance models creation and data matching.
- Author and review certification documents to show compliance with FAA/EASA certification requirements related to Aircraft Performance.
Education and Experience
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant discipline
- 5-7+ years of experience doing detailed Performance analysis on fixed wing aircraft
- Gained strong knowledge of performance methodologies and associated software development for performance data reduction & expansion tools
- Developed test plans based on an understanding of the certification requirements and associated means of compliance for fixed wing aircraft and/or rotorcraft
- Excellent understanding of key concepts and equations for aircraft performance analysis
- Experience with simulation and flight testing for aircraft performance
- Experienced with scripting languages and Simulation tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
- Previous experience with the various phases of an aircraft development program, from conceptual design through certification and in-service support.
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.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand on feet and walk around for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to sit at desk for prolonged periods of time and work on computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
Otto Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.”