Associate Engineer, Aircraft Performance

About Otto Aviation 
Otto Aviation 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. 

 About the Role 

As an Associate Aircraft Performance Engineer, you will support the analysis, modeling, and optimization of aircraft performance across various flight phases. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, you will contribute to performance assessments, flight data analysis, and the development of tools and procedures to ensure aircraft meet safety, efficiency, and regulatory standards. You will join a team developing the world’s most efficient aircraft. Otto Aviation is seeking a first principles engineer that works great in a team atmosphere and gets things done. 

 Flight Sciences includes all phases of flight dynamics design and analysis to support configuration development, flight testing, and entry into service. This position encompasses all flight regimes up to and including transonic cruise, approach and landing, and off-design operations. You will also be assisting in the experimental efforts that support validation, database development, and optimization of the configuration. 

 What You’ll Do 

• Assist in analyzing flight data to evaluate aircraft performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing). 


• Support the development and validation of performance models using simulation tools. 


• Collaborate with design and flight test teams to integrate performance considerations into aircraft systems and configurations. 


• Contribute to the preparation of performance documentation, reports, and certification materials. 


• Help ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, and other international aviation regulations. 


• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of performance-related issues. 


• Other duties as assigned

Who You Are 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 

Experience 

• Foundational knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft systems. 


• Familiarity with performance analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, AVL, or similar). 


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 


• Effective communication and teamwork abilities. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Internship or co-op experience in aircraft performance or flight sciences. 


• Exposure to flight test data or performance databases. 


• Understanding of aircraft certification processes and regulatory standards. 

 Required 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. 

 Where You'll Be 

  **This role requires 25% travel to our facility at Meacham Airport in Ft Worth, TX, but will transition to full onsite at our new campus in Jacksonville, FL upon facility readiness (flexible 6-12 months).

 Benefits 

Otto Aviation provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13-14 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options. 

 Otto Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. 

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