Manager, Flight Sciences

At Otto Aerospace, we foster a collaborative environment where top talent can innovate, contribute meaningfully, and help drive the next generation of aerospace technology.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Manager of Flight Sciences to lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the technical definition, execution, and certification of all flight sciences disciplines, including applied aerodynamics; aircraft performance; stability & control; external loads; aeroelasticity & flutter; aeroacoustics; and wind tunnel testing. This role is responsible for integrating flight sciences engineering with Flight Test, Certification, Systems, Structures, and Program Management to ensure regulatory compliance, technical rigor, and on schedule program execution.

The position combines hands on technical authority with people, budget, and planning responsibility, and is a key contributor to Otto aircraft development and certification programs.

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Flight Sciences team, including staffing, hiring, mentoring, and performance management
• Career development and technical skill progression
• Use of consultants, suppliers, and contractors as needed
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, data integrity, and collaborative problem solving
• Maintain and continuously improve Flight Sciences tools, processes, best practices, and technology/capability roadmaps
• Plan and execute Flight Sciences deliverables aligned with program schedule, budget, and technical maturity targets
• Direct aerodynamic design, configuration development, and optimization using first-principles physics and simulation-driven processes
• Ensure Flight Sciences outputs are clearly communicated, traceable, and integrated into program decisions
• Identify, track, and mitigate technical risks and uncertainties related to aerodynamic performance, handling qualities, and envelope limits
• Support engineering trade studies and configuration decisions with defensible, data driven analysis
• Serve as the technical approval authority for flight sciences analyses, reports, and certification data packages

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field 10+ years of experience in flight sciences, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, or flight mechanics, including leadership experience
• Experience leading technical teams and delivering engineering products to schedule
• Experience supporting flight test campaigns and correlating analysis to flight data
• Experience supporting flight sciences related activities as part or certification programs
• Experience working with civil certification standards (e.g., FAA Part 23 or Part 25)
• Strong understanding of aerodynamic theory; aircraft performance; aircraft handling qualities; and flight test data analysis and correlation

• Master's degree in aerospace engineering
• 15+ years of experience in flight sciences disciplines
• Experience with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification requirements
• Experience in transonic aircraft design and laminar flow aerodynamics
• Experience with wind tunnel and flight test correlation, aircraft configuration development, and clean-sheet or experimental aircraft
• Background in high altitude, high speed, or transonic aircraft
• Experience with experimental or first-of-type aircraft

• Active Listening:
  Practice gaining insight and understanding of 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 points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges
• Self-Motivation:
  Exude the 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 goals
• Strong Business Communication:
  Use the right language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or…