Principal Engineer, System Test

 The Principal Engineer will be expected to exercise initiative, continuous improvement, and attention to detail to improve design quality, completeness, and accuracy. The Principal Engineer will be able to multi-task and maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced, changing environment, working independently with limited oversight while asking questions when necessary. The Principal Engineer will be self-motivated to make efficient use of time for the benefit of the company during slow or unsupervised periods.

 System Test Engineer

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

Reporting to the Manager of System Integration and Simulation test, the Principal System Test Engineer will lead the development, integration, and testing of aircraft systems and subsystems in a laboratory setting. This will involve working with a range of simulation tools, including X-Plane, Matlab, JSBsim, as well as programming languages such as Python to automate testing and integration processes. The Principal Engineer will also be responsible for mentoring junior engineers and providing technical leadership to the team.

The Principal Engineer will work closely with internal stakeholders, including production personnel, suppliers, materials, quality, and design teams, as well as with external partners and suppliers. The Principal Engineer will also collaborate with other engineers to ensure that testing requirements are integrated into the overall system design and development process.

Adhere to company standards for configuration control, file management and change control.

The Principal Engineer will be expected to exercise initiative, continuous improvement, and attention to detail to improve design quality, completeness, and accuracy. The Principal Engineer will be able to multi-task and maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced, changing environment, working independently with limited oversight while asking questions when necessary. The Principal Engineer will be self-motivated to make efficient use of time for the benefit of the company during slow or unsupervised periods.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership to the team, including mentoring junior engineers and providing guidance on technical issues.
  • Lead the development of test assets, including ground-based testing solutions, to enable high-fidelity simulation and verification of system requirements, maximizing the use of ground-based testing to validate system performance, reduce the need for flight testing, and minimize risk, thereby improving overall program safety and efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain technical roadmaps for system testing and integration assets, including the identification of technical risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and integrate systems, including the creation of automation scripts and plugins.
  • Troubleshoot and debug system issues, including the identification and resolution of issues with simulation tools, software, and hardware used in the lab.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping techniques, including the ability to quickly design, develop, and test prototype solutions using various methods such as CNC routing, 3D printing, or similar fast development processes. Ability to rapidly iterate test asset configurations to gather test data, with a strong understanding of how to apply these techniques to accelerate the testing and development process.
  • Owns the configuration control and conformity of test assets, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines. Responsible for substantiating and answering questions from the FAA regarding test asset configuration and conformity, and for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to support FAA audits and inspections.
  • Solid understanding of computer networks and be able to configure and troubleshoot network protocols to support lab operations.
  • Lead the development of test campaigns to support system validation and verification, including the review and approval of test plans, test execution, and test summary memos.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and suppliers, including the coordination of technical activities and the resolution of technical issues.

Required Education and Experience

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. A degree in a relevant field would be preferred, but not required
  • At least 10 years of experience in a related field, including experience with system testing and integration, simulation tools, and programming languages such as C++ or Python.
  • Experience with other simulation tools and software, such as Simulink or LabVIEW.
  • Experience with aircraft systems and subsystems, including avionics, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Excellent technical leadership and communication skills, including the ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the team.

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