Principal Aerospace Engineer

Enigma Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of our large, next‑generation autonomous aircraft system. This is a unique opportunity to join the founding team of a venture‑backed aerospace company at the ground level. We're looking for a hands‑on technical leader with a passion for aviation and a track record of delivering complex aerospace technologies.

In this role, you will have primary responsibility for the aircraft design, systems architecture; significantly contribute to the development and integration efforts, establish and manage vendor relationships, and help grow a high‑performing technical team. Success in this role requires deep experience in system architecture, cross‑functional design and development, systems integration, test, and operational readiness of large autonomous aircraft platforms.

• Lead the aircraft and systems design from initial development through build, test, and delivery to the manufacturing team
• Define and track key system‑level design parameters throughout the design
• Develop and validate simulation models for fixed wing aircraft dynamics, integrating aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and environmental factors
• Architect, model, simulate, and implement structural, avionics, propulsion, and flight controls systems to meet aircraft performance and stability
• Lead detailed structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis of critical airframe components to ensure durability, reliability, and compliance
• Forge and manage strong vendor relationships
• Ensure all sub‑systems work harmoniously together by defining, developing, and testing robust interfaces
• Embody a proactive and optimistic approach, bringing a can‑do attitude to the workplace every day, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment
• Travel up to 30% of the time including domestic and international

• MS or higher degree in a relevant engineering field
• 10+ years of technical experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with experience working on large (>500 lbs. MTOW) fixed wing unmanned and/or autonomous aircraft systems
• Proven experience leading an aircraft design from requirements through prototyping to manufacturing
• Deep and broad knowledge of UAS sub‑systems from avionics to structures, mission software, and systems integration
• Experience with government programs or development of DoD technology
• Experience in the development and delivery to a schedule of a complex hardware and software system
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate problems and solutions to both technical and non‑technical individuals
• Excels at collaborating in a fast‑paced startup environment with changing priorities, technical requirements, and a growing team
• Must be eligible to work in the US

• Experience successfully delivering large, fixed wing UAS or autonomous aircraft(s) in a similar function
• Strong ability to quickly perform trade studies along design, components, systems, vendor dimensions and present to leadership
• Experience with lab and flight testing of aircraft and/or major subsystems
• Broad understanding across major aircraft systems (aerodynamics, flight controls, structures, avionics, propulsion including IC engines, mission software, etc.) with meaningful depth in at least one
• Experience with systems engineering, requirements management, CAD, software engineering, and program management tools
• You are an empathetic team‑player, who is an excellent listener and can persuasively communicate their ideas and plans to parties of all backgrounds
• You are an ambitious and self‑motivated individual who eagerly approaches ambiguity and is committed to delivering a high‑quality work product
• You are a highly detail‑oriented with a track record of sound judgement
• You are an avid aviation enthusiast, private pilot, and have flight experience
• You have military experience and hold a security clearance

Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an…